Senior Pet Care

When you have pets, they become part of the family. Taking great care of pets and treating them well helps them live longer, which means at some point you may need senior pet care. At Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ, our veterinarian provides senior pet care and a variety of other services. We will guide you on how to care for your senior pet at home, too. Our goal is to help your pet live a healthy, happy life, no matter its age.

Senior Life Is Different for Each Pet

So, when does your dog or cat become a senior? It's different for each pet. For example, bigger dogs may be considered seniors at the age of 7 or 8, while smaller dogs might not be considered seniors until they are about 10 years old.

The age is different for cats as well. Cats over the age of 7 may be considered mature, but they may not necessarily become a senior until they are about 11 years old.

Our veterinarian can help you determine when your pet should begin getting senior wellness exams. If you notice strange behaviors in your pet, it is a good idea to visit our Cave Creek animal hospital to determine if your pet’s age is causing health problems.

Tests for Senior Pets Encourage Wellness

Senior pet care involves checking for a variety of health ailments and potential future concerns. Our veterinarian might look for:

• Evidence of organ disease or failure via a blood chemistry profile
• Diabetes, anemia, clotting issues, and other conditions discernible via a blood test
• Thyroid issues
• Dehydration and disturbances in sodium, calcium, or potassium levels
• Urinary tract infections
• Intestinal parasites
• Immune system concerns
• Behavioral changes, including cognitive dysfunction

The sooner our veterinarian diagnoses the problem, the earlier intervention can begin.

Senior Pets Are at Higher Risk for Some Conditions

Some health conditions are more common in senior pets than in other animals. These include arthritis, dental disease, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease. For this reason, a vet at our animal hospital in Cave Creek may recommend that your pet come in for wellness exams twice per year.

It is also important to care for your senior pet at home. Help your animal avoid stairs, make sure it has blankets and a comfortable spot, and put its food and water bowls in a convenient location.

Visit Our Veterinarian for Senior Pet Care in Cave Creek, AZ

If your pet is getting older, it will need more care than it used to. Instead of searching for a ‘vet near me’, visit our team. At Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ, our veterinarian will keep your senior pet as healthy as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment.