Senior pets need special care, just like people. As they age, pets develop an elevated risk for many conditions, from cancer to diabetes. Extra trips to the veterinarian, a specially tailored diet and other accommodations can help your pet stay healthy. With good care, your pet’s senior years can be just as rewarding and joyful as the early days.

Special Care From Your Toronto Veterinarians

Pets need to see the veterinarian for regular wellness visits to ensure that chronic conditions and illnesses are caught and treated in the early stages. At Jane Animal Hospital, we encourage pet owners with senior pets to bring in their animal friends twice annually for a check up. During these checkups we’ll perform a full physical examination and draw blood for laboratory testing.

In addition to semi-annual wellness exams, senior pets need regular dental care to help them avoid periodontal disease, tooth loss, gum and bone loss, infections and cavities. Our dental care is safe and gentle for older pets. We perform dental inspections and cleanings and remove plaque above and below the gum line. After a thorough dental examination, we’ll also recommend other dental services as needed.

Vaccinations for Senior Pets

Older pets need to stay up to date with their vaccinations in order to avoid chronic conditions and deadly illnesses. We administer senior pet vaccinations as needed. To ensure that your senior pet gets the right vaccinations and booster shots, we’ll track your pet’s vaccination schedule and consult with you about your senior pet’s lifestyle and habits. This will help ensure that your pet receives all necessary core and non-core vaccinations on time.

Watch for Symptoms

Senior pets are at risk for a variety of conditions that can decrease their quality of life. Some of the most common conditions that older pets may experience include cancer, heart disease, periodontal disease, thyroid problems, arthritis, hypertension and dementia.

We encourage all pet owners to watch their pets for changes in habits and behaviors, lethargy, sudden weight loss or disinterest in eating, weight gain, decreased energy levels and onset of other unfamiliar symptoms. Pets who display these symptoms should be brought in to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a wellness checkup and examination. We can help you determine your pet’s needs and can also help your pet get the care he or she needs in order to stay healthy.

Dietary and Nutritional Needs

Pets benefit from an adjusted diet when they get older. Older pets need to eat smaller portions to control their weight, and may need adjusted vitamins and minerals to avoid chronic conditions. We recommend feeding your pet a diet formulated for senior animals. To avoid unnecessary weight gain, follow the portion recommendations prescribed by  your pet's veterinarian. If your senior pet needs to lose weight, we’ll help you determine the right combination of exercise and caloric intake to help your pet lose weight but stay healthy.

Contact Your Toronto Veterinarians

At Jane Animal Hospital, we help older pets get the care they need to stay healthy and strong. Our veterinary specialists can help your pet enjoy good quality of life. To make an appointment for a semi-annual wellness exam for your pet, contact your Toronto veterinarians at (416) 762-5558.