Senior Pet Care
Most dogs are considered seniors around age seven and cats around age nine, but size and breed can influence recommendations. Once a pet reaches the senior stage, things start changing faster than they used to. Because pets age more quickly than people, diseases and health problems can progress rapidly. That’s why Pet Vet Family Pet Care Center provides senior pet care in Kalamazoo that focuses on catching issues early, when they’re easier to manage.
We recommend bringing senior pets in for exams twice a year, in addition to routine diagnostics (like basic bloodwork) as recommended by your vet. This helps us track how your pet is aging, as well as catch and manage developing problems before they become serious.
What’s Included in a Senior Pet Exam
A senior wellness visit includes a thorough physical exam and routine diagnostics. Bloodwork is essential—it checks red and white blood cell counts and evaluates kidney function, liver function, thyroid levels, and more.
Health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders become more common as pets age. Catching them early means we can manage them more effectively and keep your pet comfortable longer. In some cases, we may also recommend X-rays to get a better look at what’s going on inside.
We also check:
- Dental health (dental infections are almost always present in older pets, and mouth odor is often caused by an infection)
- Joint mobility and arthritis signs
- Weight and body condition
- Eyes, ears, and overall physical condition
- Any lumps, bumps, or skin changes
- Heart murmurs or arrhythmias
Monitoring Behavior Changes
Let us know if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior. Confusion, getting lost in familiar places, changes in sleep patterns, or accidents in the house can be signs of cognitive dysfunction or other health issues. We can address these symptoms and talk about options to improve your pet’s life.
Keeping Senior Pets Comfortable
We have more options than ever to help aging pets stay comfortable and maintain their quality of life. From managing arthritis pain to treating chronic conditions, we’ll work with you to keep your old friend feeling their best for as long as possible.
To schedule a senior wellness exam, call us at (269) 382-6200.