Why older pets need special attention.

Your pet is considered a senior citizen at 7 years of age and has some special needs at this age. So special care must be given to keep them healthy and happy.

As your pet ages, they will become less active, less agile and less alert. Their sight and hearing will not be what they once were. They may even get gray hair! These are all a natural part of the aging process for animals as well as humans. Other changes, however, require monitoring by a trained veterinarian.

Your pet is at greater risk for kidney, heart and dental disease as they grow older. Now more than ever, be sure you bring them in regularly. And be sure to bring them in if you notice any changes in their diet, sleeping habits, elimination or activity level. These changes could be clues that can help us prolong your friend's life.

Older pets have special dietary needs.

The nutritional need of dogs and cats change considerably as they age. For example, senior pets should consume fewer calories due to decreased activity and reduced daily energy needs. This is very important, as added weight increases the risk of arthritis and diabetes as well as cardiac, respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders in older pets.

As a general rule, pets 7 and older need a high-fiber, vitamin- and mineral-enriched diet. Especially important, make sure that your senior pet's diet is high in iron, antioxidants and beta-carotene. We offer nutrition counseling so that your senior pet can get the diet that is precisely right for them.

Regular checkups are vital to older pets.

Our goal is to keep your pet healthy into their later years by following a program of annual physical exams with occasional blood work. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. If you wait until your pet "tells you" something is wrong, the illness may be too advanced and it may be too late to treat it effectively!

If your pets are over 7 years old, bring them in for a "Golden Years" checkup. We'll do a complete senior exam, comprehensive blood profile, urinalysis, ECG, blood pressure check, nutrition analysis and other testing to check for heart disease, thyroid problems, high blood pressure and other illnesses.

We'll also give them a thorough dental exam to make sure both their teeth and gums are healthy. Bad teeth can lead to painful gum infections, which can lead to further complications if left untreated.

Ongoing training on keeping seniors healthy.

You'll find it reassuring to know that we pursue continuing-education courses as they relate to the care and treatment of your older pet. For full details on senior pet care, or to schedule your pet for a "Golden Years" checkup, call (209) 551-4527 today.

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