Senior Pets

As my Grandpa says, “Time doesn’t stand still for anyone.” That goes for our pets too. Pets age much faster than we do. By six months of age, most dogs and cats are teenagers. At about seven years, dogs and cats are considered seniors. With aging, some changes may be apparent such as a greying muzzle, weight gain, or mobility issues, but some age-related changes may not be so obvious. A decline in kidney or liver function may not be outwardly noticeable until significant damage has occurred. A change in behavior or routine could be a sign of illness or even senility, dementia or other age-related brain changes. Additionally, an elderly pet’s immune system may not be as strong as it used to be making them more susceptible to parasites or disease. At GAHC, we know how important it is to catch health changes quickly. We recommend biannual bloodwork and physical exams for our senior pets. Bloodwork and exams help us to identify changes in organ function, mobility, mental & behavioral health, or diet changes such as increased or decreased thirst, hunger or body condition. Finding these variations quickly allows us to make appropriate modifications in their daily care to slow disease progression or manage debilitating disease. For more information call us or go to https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Caring-for-an-Older-Pet-FAQs.aspx.