Compassionate Care for Our Aging Pets
Senior Pet Care
We all love our pets and want them to age with dignity and comfort. At Vestal Veterinary Hospital and Emergency Clinic, geriatric pet care is one of our special interest areas. Our compassion for these aging pets extends to their owners as well. We know how much all of us want our pets to remain healthy and vigorous for years to come.
At 8 years old your pet can be compared to an aging person with this formula:
- A small dog or cat = a 40- to 45-year-old person
- A medium sized dog = 50- to 55-year-old person
- A large dog = 60- to 65-year-old person
- A giant breed = 75- to 90-year-old person
Early screening of your senior pet is the first defense against age-related diseases and deterioration. This screening can detect such problems as diabetes, hormonal diseases, changes in liver and kidney function, and low-grade infections. Declining kidney function is the most common reason for illness and debilitation in older pets and early intervention may be as easy as a diet change.
We recommend routine laboratory screening—bloodwork and urinalysis, at your senior pet’s annual examination—a vital precaution for an important family member.
We are here for your pet through all ages and stages. Call us today to learn more!