Senior Care

for Cats and Dogs

Senior Care

Due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits, pets are living longer now than they ever have before. One consequence of this is that pets, along with their owners and veterinarians, are faced with a whole new set of age-related conditions.

We now know that animals experience pain in much the same way as people. We use our knowledge of pain medication and pain relief strategies to prevent and manage pain in pets, both before and after surgery and in the event of an injury or infection. We can also ease pain caused by chronic diseases, such as arthritis.

Ask us about our pain management options and plans, which we will tailor to your pet’s medical condition and individual needs.

We are just a phone call away – (904)-436-PETS (7387).

Senior pets require increased attention, including more frequent visits to the veterinarian, possible changes in diet, and in some cases alterations to their home environment. Here are some basic considerations when caring for older pets:

Increased Veterinary Care | Geriatric pets should have semi-annual veterinary visits instead of annual visits so signs of illness or other problems can be detected early and treated. Senior pet exams are similar to those for younger pets, but are more in-depth, and may include dental care, possible bloodwork, and specific checks for physical signs of diseases that are more likely in older pets.

Diet and Nutrition | Geriatric pets often need foods that are more readily digested and have different calorie levels and ingredients and anti-aging nutrients.

Weight Control | Weight gain in geriatric dogs increases the risk of health problems, whereas weight loss is a bigger concern for geriatric cats.

Parasite Control | Older pets’ immune systems are not as healthy as those of younger animals; as a result, they can’t fight off diseases or heal as fast as younger pets.

Maintaining Mobility | As with older people, keeping older pets mobile through appropriate exercise helps keep them healthier and more mobile.

Vaccination | Your pet’s vaccination needs may change with age. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination program for your geriatric pet.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of health problems can affect older pets?

Geriatric pets can develop many of the same problems seen in older people, such as:

  • cancer
  • heart disease
  • kidney/urinary tract disease
  • liver disease
  • diabetes
  • joint or bone disease
  • senility
  • weakness

Talk to your veterinarian about how to care for your older pet and be prepared for possible age-related health issues. Senior pets require increased attention, including more frequent visits to the veterinarian, possible changes in diet, and in some cases alterations to their home environment.

Before any medical signs become apparent, behavioral changes can serve as important indicators that something is changing in an older pet, which may be due to medical or other reasons. As your pet’s owner, you serve a critical role in detecting early signs of disease because you interact and care for your pet on a daily basis and are familiar with your pet’s behavior and routines. If your pet is showing any change in behavior or other warning signs of disease, contact your veterinarian and provide them with a list of the changes you have observed in your pet. Sometimes, the changes may seem contradictory – such as an older pet that has symptoms of hearing loss but also seems more sensitive to strange sounds.