Seeing your beloved pet start to experience the effects of age can stir up difficult emotions. Still, you cannot allow those worries to take over. After all, your senior pet can still enjoy plenty of good years if it receives proper care. Here at Summit Vet Hospital, we help residents of Los Gatos, CA, take better care of their aging animal companions.
Book OnlineLearning about senior pet care from our veterinarians near you can prove beneficial. Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about senior pets!
When Do Pets Reach Their Senior Years?
Senior years are different for cats and dogs. Generally speaking, cats reach the senior stage around their 10th birthdays. With dogs, the senior stage varies based on breed. Small dogs reach that stage at around 10 years of age, while medium-sized breeds get there a bit earlier at around eight years. Large dogs may be considered seniors as soon as they reach six years old.
How Often Should Senior Pets See the Vet?
Unsurprisingly, older pets should be taken to the animal hospital more often. If your senior pet is in good health, you can schedule a wellness exam once every six months. Senior pets with existing health conditions should visit the vet more often.
What Happens During a Senior Pet’s Wellness Exam?
A wellness exam for an older pet is like a check-up for a younger animal. During that appointment, the vet will check your pet’s teeth, coat, and vital signs. The exams may only differ if your pet has a chronic disease of some kind. In that case, additional tests may be conducted to monitor the progress of that disease.
What Are the Common Signs of Illness or Injury in Older Pets?
Caring for a senior pet requires greater vigilance. Keep an eye out for any changes in your pet’s behavior because they could be indicators that it has developed an illness or injury. Common signs that your older pet may need veterinary care include reduced mobility, loss of appetite, and more frequent urination.
Should an Older Pet Get a New Diet?
Your senior pet could very well need a new diet but do not give them new food out of the blue. Talk to our vet first so you can better understand your pet’s nutritional needs and select the right diet for it.
Expert Care for Senior Pets Courtesy of Our Top Veterinarians Near You
Entrust your senior pet’s care to us at Summit Vet Hospital in Los Gatos, CA. We want to ensure your furry friend ages with grace and comfort. Contact us today at (408) 353-1113 or stop by our animal hospital in Los Gatos, CA, to arrange your older pet’s appointments.