Why we need to see your see your senior pet more often
We recommend bi-annual veterinary visits for pets over age seven for two reasons. First, older pets have a greater likelihood of developing some of the same serious health conditions that affect people. According to the American Veterinary Association, these include:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- General weakness
- Heart disease
- Joint and bone pain
- Kidney and/or urinary tract disease
- Liver disease
- Senility
Behavioral concerns and your pet’s quality of life
Behavioral concerns are also more common at this stage of life. Because many pet owners don’t realize that the issues are caused by cognitive decline, they become frustrated and punish their pet for what they assume is purposely bad behavior. However, this is rarely the best solution. If your pet exhibits behavior that is uncharacteristic, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation at Newport Center Animal Hospital as soon as possible.
The other reason we recommend bi-annual geriatric care appointments is to evaluate your pet’s quality of life. We will ask you questions about all of the following:
- Your dog or cat’s diet
- Exercise habits
- Sleeping habits
- Parasite control
- Level of independent mobility
Geriatric care exams at our clinic in Newport Beach, CA, tend to be more in-depth as we check for evidence of the conditions described above and other common veterinary concerns. This involves a visual inspection as well as analyzing your pet’s blood and urine. Please call (949) 644-5460 today to schedule a preventive care exam for your older pet.
