Caring for Senior Pets: Ensuring Comfort and Health in Their Golden Years
As our beloved pets enter their senior years, their care needs evolve. Whether you have cherished a lifetime with your furry companion or recently welcomed a senior pet into your home, it is essential to adapt to their changing health requirements. At College Hills Veterinary Hospital in College Station, Texas, we are dedicated to providing expert care and support to ensure your pet enjoys their golden years with comfort and vitality.
How Old is Your Senior Pet?
Pets age faster than humans, which means they may be considered seniors sooner than you think. The aging process varies by species, breed, and size. For example, cats and small dogs typically reach senior status around age seven, while larger breed dogs may be considered seniors as early as six due to their shorter lifespans.
As pets age, their metabolism slows, making weight management more challenging. Their immune systems may weaken, making them more susceptible to infections, and they may require more frequent veterinary visits to monitor and manage age-related conditions.
Caring for Senior Pets: Preparing for Age-Related Health Changes
Aging pets often experience physical and cognitive changes similar to those in elderly humans, including vision and hearing loss, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of disease. Senior pets may develop conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney and urinary tract issues
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cognitive dysfunction
At College Hills Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinarians can detect early signs of these conditions and recommend tailored treatment plans to maintain your pet’s health and comfort. Regular checkups allow us to assess their overall well-being, adjust their diet and exercise routines as needed, and provide preventive care to extend their quality of life.
Senior Wellness Screenings at College Hills Veterinary Hospital
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), senior pets should visit a veterinarian at least twice a year to catch health issues early. Our comprehensive senior wellness screenings include:
- Chemistry Profile and CBC (Complete Blood Count): Evaluates liver, kidney, pancreas, blood sugar, and hydration levels, as well as detects infections, inflammation, and anemia.
- Fecal Test: Identifies hidden intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms.
- Thyroid Function Test: Ensures proper thyroid gland function, as thyroid disease is common in aging pets.
- Cardiac Disease Screening: Detects early signs of heart disease for timely intervention.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Helps detect hypertension, which can contribute to kidney, heart, and vision problems.
- Medical Exam: A thorough examination of the nose, mouth, teeth, eyes, ears, skin, coat, legs, paws, abdomen, heart, and lungs to ensure overall well-being.
Laser Therapy for Senior Pets
When a physical condition or injury affects your pet’s mobility or quality of life, there is one goal: A rapid return to everyday activities. College Hills Veterinary hospital is proud to be on the medical technological forefront by offering MLS Laser Therapy. We have invested in the very best technology as a key component of our continuing quest to offer you the finest in health care for your pet.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for managing pain. Laser therapy has been cleared by the FDA for use in both the Veterinary and Medical fields. It is proven safe and effective for treating many debilitating pain conditions. And there are no known side effects.
Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that have a strong anti-inflammatory, anti-edema effect on tissues that are exposed to the laser. Painful conditions accompanied by swelling or inflammation benefit from this technology. Photons of laser energy penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth.
As a result of exposure to the laser, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles repair themselves faster. As inflammation is reduced, pain subsides very quickly. In simple terms, laser energy kick-starts the healing process, thereby speeding recovery.
Caring for Your Senior Pet at Home
- Monitor Your Pet’s Weight: Sudden weight loss or obesity can indicate serious health problems. If you notice significant changes, contact us immediately.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Tailor exercise to your pet’s ability. Shorter, frequent walks or mental stimulation activities can keep them engaged. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders can also help keep their minds sharp.
- Maintain Dental Health: Regular dental checkups and cleanings help prevent pain and systemic health issues. Brushing their teeth at home and providing dental-friendly treats can also promote oral health.
- Assist with Grooming: Brushing helps remove loose fur, prevents matting, and allows you to detect skin abnormalities. Bathing them with gentle, moisturizing shampoos can also soothe aging skin.
- Modify Their Environment: Provide pet stairs, orthopedic beds, and safe outdoor enclosures to accommodate their changing needs. Heated bedding can be especially comforting for pets with arthritis.
- Help Them Navigate Vision or Hearing Loss: Maintain a consistent home layout, use sound and scent cues, and create a safe, familiar space. Keep walkways clear of clutter, use nightlights to help them navigate in the dark, and introduce scent markers to guide them.
Providing Exceptional Senior Pet Care at College Hills Veterinary Hospital
Caring for senior pets involves proactive health monitoring, thoughtful adjustments to their environment, and regular veterinary checkups. At College Hills Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to ensuring your pet receives the best possible care to enjoy their golden years with health and happiness. With our expertise and compassionate approach, we collaborate closely with pet owners to develop personalized care plans that enhance the quality of life for senior pets.
If you have questions about senior pet care or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 979-693-0123 or visit our website at www.collegehillsvet.com
We look forward to partnering with you to keep your senior pet happy and healthy!
Your Caring Team
College Hills Veterinary Hospital
