Senior Pet Care FAQs: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Thanks to advancements in veterinary care, our pets are living longer than ever before. But with a longer life also comes new challenges for senior pet care. As a pet owner, you may already know that your dog or cat will benefit from regular health check-ups and a balanced diet to avoid weight gain. But do you know when your pet is considered to be a “senior”? Do you know why health check-ups are especially important for older pets? Below, our veterinary care team answers three of the top questions pet owners have about senior pet wellness care.

Top 3 Senior Pet Care FAQs

#1: When is my pet officially considered a “senior”?

The age at which a pet is a “senior” varies based on your pet’s breed and size. For example, large breed dogs may be considered seniors as early as seven years of age, since their life expectancy is typically shorter than smaller breed dogs. Cats, on the other hand, may not require senior pet care until they are ten years or older. Look out for signs of aging, such as reduced mobility and vision and hearing loss. If you think your pet could benefit from senior pet treatment, talk to our veterinary team about your options.

#2: How often does my senior pet need veterinary care?

Older pets should receive a semi-annual wellness exam from our veterinarian. While six months may not seem like a long time to most people, for an older pet, that’s a significant period. Pets are also masters at hiding the symptoms of illness. Consequently, many chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer or a thyroid imbalance may not be detected until advanced symptoms are present. Diagnostic blood work, which can be performed during an exam, will give our veterinary team a “snapshot” of your pet’s internal health and help us detect potential problems early for prompt treatment.

#3: What are the most common health conditions affecting senior pets?

The most common health conditions affecting older pets include heart disease, diabetes, thyroid imbalance, and cancer.

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