Senior Wellness
Glendale Animal Hospital is very excited to introduce our animal hospital now offers a new Senior Pet Wellness Program. Our Program includes twice-a-year “nose to tail” examinations. Senior pets should be examined every 6 months by an experienced animal hospital because their bodies change more quickly as they age. Seeing our senior pets twice-a-year allows us to focus on early detection and prevention of major illnesses. The earlier health condition is diagnosed, the earlier medical treatment can begin and potentially slow or stop progression before major illness occurs.
Glendale Animal Hospital‘s Senior Wellness Program
Our Senior Pet Wellness Program also includes veterinary services like screening test, through annual to semi-annual blood work. The most common blood test we suggest on a patients checks their cell counts, protein levels, liver, kidneys, sugar levels, and electrolytes. Often we test for their thyroid level (a hormone that controls metabolism) and a urine test. The urine test helps determine how well the kidneys are functioning and if there are any urinary tract infections. Screening tests may help us identify ways to adjust your senior pet’s lifestyle to keep them healthier and happier as they age.
Our animal hospitals Senior Pet Wellness Program will also concentrate on lifestyle management. Our effective senior program provides you as a pet owner with information about the changes needed for older pets. Changes may include diet, joint supplement, dental health and pain management. These changes can help with some common senior diseases like obesity, diabetes, periodontal disease, and arthritis.
Like us, pets are living longer. Proper veterinary care, screening test, home care, and improved nutrition help play an important role in your pet’s well-being and longevity
Preventative Care for the Senior Stage in Life
Because pets’ life spans are so short relative to that of their human owners, health conditions tend to develop much more rapidly, threatening the health of the animal if unobserved and untreated. While an annual veterinary visit may be adequate for younger pets, Glendale Animal Hospital believes that all pets 10 years and older gain significant health benefits from wellness exams twice a year.
Early detection of illness and disease is critical to living a long and healthy life, so your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics, such as lab, blood, and imaging tests. These tests are used to generate important diagnostic values that your veterinarian will fully interpret and discuss the results with you.
How Can I Tell if my Pet is Getting Old?
Qualifying for “senior” status varies in canine and feline companions. Smaller breeds of dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds, so they may reach their geriatric stage around nine to 10 years of age. Cats tend to live longer still and generally reach their golden years around 10 years of age. Some giant breeds of dogs may classify for senior status as young as five years old. Your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s life stage base on his or her breed and size.
Just like humans, animals may begin to show signs of physical decline as the age. You may notice that sight, hearing, taste, and smell have started to diminish. There is a greater risk of age-related illnesses and diseases as dogs and cats reach their senior years. Our critter companions are very good at hiding discomfort and pain so it is important to be aware of subtle signs or gradual changes that may indicate an underlying problem. Some things to look for include stiffness, vision changes, decreased appetite, increased thirst, changes in bladder or bowel habits, decreased activity, and weight loss.
Senior Wellness Care Near You
Let us at Glendale Animal Hospital help your pet live longer and fuller life by providing you and your pet with the most up to date information and quality care. Call us today to make an appointment to begin learning how to make the most of your pet’s senior years.
To schedule a wellness exam for your senior pet, call us at 630-858-3530 or schedule online.
