Imagine not going to the doctor for 7 years! That is what happens when your pet goes 1 year without seeing a doctor. It is important for your pet to see the vet regularly, but it is critical for your senior pet to see the doctor at least once a year. It is also important to be proactive about your pet’s health.

When is a pet considered a senior? Both cats and dogs are considered a senior citizen in the domestic animal world when they reach 7 years of age.

Why should you be proactive about your pet’s health? Your pet may seem happy and robust, but the gradual onset of disease can easily go unnoticed. Once symptoms do appear, the condition may be difficult and costly to treat and diagnose. This is why a Wellness Exam is so important to the quality of your pet’s life.

What is a Wellness Exam? A Wellness Exam includes a physical exam and blood tests that the doctor can use as an aid to diagnose blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems. Many of these conditions can be prevented, controlled, or completely reversed if diagnosed early. A Wellness Exam also gives the doctors a benchmark from which to measure future test results should your pet become ill.  Furthermore, it allows the Doctor to check out any “lumps and bumps” on your animal, which, as a senior pet might be normal, but may point to something a little more serious.

What else should you do for your senior pet? Talk to your vet about what kind of senior food your pet should be eating. Also, senior pets can suffer from arthritis. Does your pet have a hard time getting up in the morning or getting around when the weather is cold? You may consider getting x-rays done to determine the severity of the arthritis. There are some very effective medications specifically for cats and dogs that your vet can prescribe to help with arthritis pain.  X- rays are also a good way to check for heart disease, especially in our smaller canine friends.

This month, Ada Animal Hospital is focusing on the well being of our Senior animal friends.  Look for a special edition of  “Healthy Pet” Magazine that has informative articles and special tips regarding your Senior pet.  There is also a valuable coupon on the cover that you can use this month specifically for your Senior Pet to help him or her live the best, healthiest life you can provide!