5 Health Concerns as Your Pet Ages

From Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant

Zander age 9 , hypothyroidism, dry-eye

Did you know that cats are considered to be senior at 11 years of age and dogs become senior at 7 to 10 years of age? Dogs and cats age five to seven times faster than people do, so health-related changes can occur quickly. Because pets can be very good at hiding signs of illness, they may seem to become suddenly ill when they can no longer hide their symptoms.

The good news is that you can greatly improve your senior pet’s quality of life and longevity by watching for signs of age-related health problems and bringing your pet in for regular senior wellness exams. The following five age-related problems are good reasons that your senior pet needs regular wellness exams:

Age-related problem Signs to watch for :

Arthritis Stiffness, limping, or trouble getting up, laying down, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping

Kidney disease Weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, frequent drinking and urinating, tiredness

Diabetes Weight loss, vomiting, frequent drinking and urinating, urinary “accidents,” tiredness

Dental problems Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, plaque on the teeth, eating slowly

Behavioral problems Uncharacteristic aggression, vocalization, disorientation

If your pet shows any of the above signs, please schedule an appointment with your vet. Even if your senior pet seems to be healthy, contact them today to talk about a senior wellness exam schedule. We recommend a complete physical examination every 6 months, along with routine testing once a year, to help detect diseases and conditions early, when they are easier to treat.

We will be glad to answer any questions about your pet’s health. Let’s work together to keep your pet’s golden years happy and healthy!

Call us today for an appointment, or visit your Pet Portal to learn more. If you are not yet using your Pet Portal, log on today to discover the benefits of managing your pet's health care online with a private, personalized, secure - and FREE - website of your own. (This vet offers an online pet portal for its clients.)

We recommend wellness checks for your senior pets to keep them healthy in their golden years.