Senior Pet Wellness Care at Collierville Animal Clinic

Your pet has become a major part of your life over the years -- and now that he's older, he needs your help more than ever. Pets are subject to many of the age-related health issues and concerns as humans, with elevated risks starting as early as age 7 in most animals. the good news is that you can rely on Collierville Animal Clinic to provide your Collierville, Germantown or Piperton pet with the senior wellness care that can help him enjoy this phase of his life.

Pet Longevity and Life Stages

Old age begins much earlier for our pets than for us. A 7-year-old cat, for instance, is considered to be equivalent of 54 in human age, while a 7-year-old dog may be the equivalent of 44 to 56. Cats live longer than dogs as a general rule, and small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs. This means that a small dog may be considered geriatric later in life than a large dog, who might be considered geriatric by the age of 5, while a cat might actually reach the age of 11 before being hit by age-related risks and ailments.

Age-Related Illnesses in Animals

Pets naturally become more vulnerable to a variety of diseases and disorders as they age. Some of these ailments are degenerative in nature -- such as the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, the end result of years of joint wear and tear. Vision and hearing tend to decline in older pets. Senior animals are also at risk for periodontal disease, cancer, major organ failure, weakness, hypertension, diabetes, and dementia.

Preventative Care and Treatment at Our Vet Clinic

Our vet clinic can help you take the best possible care of your aging pet. Twice-annual senior pet exams are invaluable for detecting age-related complaints that need immediate treatment. If your pet is suffering from a painful chronic ailment such as osteoarthritis, for instance, we can put him on anti-inflammatory medication to help him stay mobile and comfortable.

Diet and nutrition play key roles in senior pet wellness. Any veterinarian on our three-practitioner team can evaluate your pet's weight to determine the risk of obesity -- a serious health problem which can aggravate many age-related disorders. Your veterinarian can also prescribe gentle exercises routines, specialized diets to combat illness or inflammation, and best home care practices to keep your pet healthy.

Let Us Help Your Old Friend in Collierville, Germantown or Piperton

Give your pet a wonderful life even in his senior years. Call (901) 853-8519 to learn about how we can help your Collierville, Germantown or Piperton senior pet!