As our pets age, their needs evolve. Senior pets require special attention to ensure they remain healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout their golden years until their final moments.
At Grant Animal Clinic, we understand the unique challenges that come with age, and we are committed to providing comprehensive care for senior pets of all breeds and sizes. Our goal is to help maintain your pet’s quality of life, detect potential health issues early, and offer solutions to manage age-related conditions.
If your pet is growing older, schedule a senior checkup to keep them in great shape!
When Is My Pet Considered a Senior?
The age at which a pet is considered a senior varies depending on their breed and size. While aging is an individual process, we tend to follow general guidelines. For example, toy- and small-breed dogs do not reach senior status until 10 to 12 years of age, whereas giant breeds, like Great Danes and Newfoundlands, become senior citizens much earlier at 6 to 7 years old. Cats are typically considered seniors around 10 years of age, although senior wellness visits can begin as early as 7.
Senior Pet Care Visits
Whether you have a dog or cat, senior pet visits at Grant Animal Clinic begin with a thorough nose-to-tail examination by one of our veterinarians. During the exam, we assess your pet’s overall health and screen for common age-related conditions like arthritis, dental disease, cataracts, and more. We may also recommend the following tests:
- Bloodwork: We conduct a wellness blood profile to evaluate organ function and check for underlying issues like kidney disease, liver problems, or endocrine disorders.
- Urinalysis: A urine sample will provide us with information about your pet’s kidney function, glucose level, and hydration status.
- Blood Pressure Measurement: For cats, we measure blood pressure to identify early signs of hypertension, which can be common in senior felines. Blood pressure measurements are also important for pets in chronic renal failure (CRF), which can affect cats and dogs.
End-of-Life Pet Care
While we strive to provide the best care to extend your pet’s life, we also recognize that aging eventually leads to difficult decisions. As your four-legged companion’s life draws to a close, we provide compassionate end-of-life care to ensure your pet’s final days are peaceful and dignified.
Our end-of-life services Include:
- Palliative Care: We provide supportive treatments to manage pain and improve comfort during terminal illness.
- Euthanasia: When it's time, we guide you through this difficult decision with empathy, ensuring a gentle and respectful transition.
- Cremation and Memorial Services: We partner with SafePassages to provide careful, compassionate cremation and memorial services for your pet.
- Grief Support: We offer resources and support to help you and your family through the grieving process after your pet’s passing.
Schedule Your Senior Pet’s Checkup Today
Give your senior pet the gift of good health as a reward for a lifetime of love and devotion. Our Grant Animal Clinic team will help guide you through the pet aging process, every step of the way.