Senior Wellness
As your pet ages, increased susceptibility to disease and injury is not uncommon. Because pets age faster than humans (on average 5-7 pet years for each human year), we recommend senior pet physical exams every six months along with annual senior pet blood examinations and urinalysis to help us in the early detection. We believe that the best medicine is preventative medicine, so Douglassville Veterinary Hospital offers a 25% discount on wellness blood work for all of our senior pets.
It can be hard to admit when we see the signs of old age in our animal companions, but the fact is that most dogs are considered seniors when they hit seven, cats around nine. Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illness progress quicker as well.
How Often Should Your Senior Pet Have An Exam?
To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest, most comfortable life possible, Douglassville Veterinary Hospital encourages you to bring your senior pet for exams and blood tests twice each year. This way, we can track how your pet is aging, and we’ll be more likely to catch any developing diseases before they’re big problems.
What Happens During A Senior Pet Health Exam?
Blood tests are one of the most important parts of a senior exam. These blood screenings—often referred to as a “senior panel”— monitor red and white blood cell counts and reveal how well the kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid are functioning. Your vet may recommend a chest x-ray to ensure that the heart is a normal size and that there are no masses in the lungs.
Periodontal disease is always a threat to our pets’ health and comfort, and it’s particularly tough on older pets. That’s why a dental exam is always part of any senior pet screening as well.
Finally, make sure to let your vet know about any behavior changes in your pet. Once dogs and cat get to the geriatric stage, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction—such as losing housebreaking, getting lost or wandering aimlessly—is very important.
Senior Pet Wellness Exams In Douglassville, PA
To schedule a senior pet wellness exam, call us at 610.385.4848.