Geriatric Care
Although we want to keep them in our lives forever, our pets still age much more rapidly than we do. As a result, a pet’s health can change quickly as they grow older, too. That’s why we provide specialized veterinary care for senior pets and recommend that they visit our veterinary office for an examination at least once every six months.
Senior Pet Care Services
Health Screenings and Physical Examinations
For pets that are age 7 and older, wellness appointments include a thorough physical examination in addition to routine laboratory diagnostics. Routine blood tests help us keep a close watch on your pet’s organ function and general health so that we can detect the earliest signs of age-related diseases and provide treatment intervention as soon as possible.
Preventative Care
As pets age, they still benefit from preventative care treatments like vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Pet Pain Management
Older pets are more likely to suffer from age-related ailments that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis. We can help you establish a pain management treatment plan that’s effective and safe for your pet to use on a long-term basis.
Chronic Disease Management
Older pets can suffer from a variety of chronic systemic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and more.
Although chronic diseases cannot be cured, most can be managed with ongoing treatments designed to ease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling
As a pet changes, you can help keep them healthy by making adjustments to their diet, exercise routine, and environment. We can recommend a senior pet food formulation, gentle and low-impact exercise ideas, and environmental modifications that can keep your pet comfortable around the home. For example, raised food and water bowls, pet stairs, and an orthopedic pet bed can help significantly.
Veterinary Care That Meets Your Pet's Changing Needs
With advancements in veterinary medicine, our pets are living longer than ever before. As a result, dogs and cats encounter more age-related diseases than they used to. However, with the right care and veterinary attention, we can help you keep your pets happy and healthy throughout their golden years.
To schedule a senior pet appointment, we welcome you to contact St. Francis Veterinary Medical Center today.
