As our pet families get older they need more attention and specialize care. Our senior wellness program can help your pet remain fit and healthy as he or she ages and help us catch any potential problems earlier, when they’re easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can actually help your pet live longer, too!
If we are able to diagnose a pet’s disease process early we can greatly increase the longevity and quality of life for your dog or cat. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats may not show any signs of even serious diseases until they are advanced.
Senior status varies depending on your pet’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We will help you determine what life stage your pet is in.
When your pet is getting close to becoming a senior pet, we recommend coming in for a thorough exam and diagnostic workup. These tests will help us in the future to know exactly what your pet’s normal values are so we can keep track of any changes. In most cases, we suggest this checkup for when your dog turns 7 years of age or your cat turns 8 years of age. Thereafter, your senior pet will benefit from more frequent veterinary exams and diagnostic testing.
We can treat many symptoms that are commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your pet’s quality of life in many ways: by identifying and preventing or reducing pain, recommending a nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications.
At Pine Cone Pet Hospital we fundamentally believe in “Making Lives Better”. By making your pet’s life better, ultimately that will make you and your family’s life better. Every decision that we make has this belief in mind. Ultimately preventative wellness care and vaccinations are the best ways to make your pet’s life better in the long term and short term.
We will tailor a senior wellness plan to your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions, we will discuss our senior wellness program in more detail. Call us today to schedule your pet’s exam!
Your OTHER Family Doctors
Our veterinarians at Pine Cone Pet Hospital, serving the pet and animal parents of Sartell, St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, St. Joseph, Rice and St. Stephen, MN since 2001.
