Wellness Programs for Aging Pets

Today our dogs and cats are healthier and live longer than ever before.  Often living active and happy lives well into their teens, our pets will begin to experience signs of aging just as we humans do.  

Many of our area animal clinics offer wellness programs for seniors.  This usually means that the routine exams are more thorough and perhaps more frequent, in an effort to identify health issues in the early stages when they are more easily managed.

Dental health is important at any age, but the aging pet is more vulnerable to cumulative oral problems that cause pain, infection, tooth loss and poor general health. 

Heart disease, vision and hearing loss, degenerative joint disease, loss of lung elasticity, and skin and coat abnormalities become more common in the older pet. 

With advances in medicine and technology, we often can intervene in these natural aging processes at early stages, maximizing support and nourishment for the aging body systems.  For example, if we can identify an early endocrine problem, such as diabetes in a dog, or hyperthyroidism in a cat, we can begin treatment to help stabilize the condition before it begins to cause problems in other parts of the body. 

Ask your own veterinary office if they offer a comprehensive plan for senior pets.  For example, offers senior dogs and cats a “Silver Whiskers” package.  In addition to a thorough physical exam (which should always look at vision, auditory, dental, immune, heart, lung, joint and skin health), this package includes tests to identify hypertension, glaucoma, and parasites. 

General bloodwork is important for older pets.  It includes basic chemistries, blood counts, and certain parasite tests.  For dogs, the tests also look for certain tick-borne diseases. 

Fecal tests and urinalyses look for intestinal problems and markers of disease.  As an example, identifying and treating glaucoma early can save vision and prevent severe pain.  Identifying and treating hypertension early can help prevent heart disease and is often a life-saver.  Supporting aging joints and treating arthritis early can help keep your senior citizen mobile, happy and in better general health.  These are just a few of the health issues that become increasingly important as our pets enter their senior years. Any necessary vaccinations are included in these programs.

offers senior wellness exams. The practice recently introduced their charismatic spokes-dog Bouncer Smith, a 13-year-old male cockapoo.  

Bouncer is a great example of the benefits of senior wellness care. He is on a great quality food and is maintaining a healthy body weight. He has routine exams, vaccinations, dental care and bloodwork. He is happy, energetic and playful, and has no clue that he is actually a senior dog.

Ask your vet today about a wellness checkup for your senior pet.  Keep your dog or cat comfortable, active and happy through the advancing years.  Perhaps you’ll even see your pet begin to enjoy their ‘20’s.

Veterinary Practices in Burke, VA.