These days, pets are living longer than they did decades ago. Quality veterinarian care, combined with the science of providing better food and services, has helped them to live longer lives. This is great news! But it is also important that people with senior pets realize that, because they are living longer, it is important that those older pets receive some special care.

Just as many senior individuals need additional care, tests and measures to prevent problems, so too do senior pets. Those who keep these issues in mind will help their senior pet not only to live longer, but to enjoy an improved quality of life. Here at Pet Doctors of America, located in Jacksonville, our veterinarians are experts at providing senior pet care.

What should you know?

There are several things to be aware of, if you have a senior pet. For starters, senior pets are going to need more attention than they used to require. What this means is that you will need to plan for more frequent veterinary exams to help to identify issues before they become big problems.

While many people tend to believe that all pets age at the same rate, that is not entirely true. As a rule of thumb, larger pets age at a rate that is faster than smaller ones. Age is also impacted by the breed and each pet’s individual characteristics.

Just like senior people, it is important that senior pets get exercise and good nutrition. A properly balanced combination of these factors, which can be determined by speaking with your veterinarian, will help to keep them in good physical condition and will enable them to live a healthier life.

What do they need?

Once a pet reaches the age of about seven, it is important that they start seeing the veterinarian every six months. Health problems that arise in senior pets can progress quickly, so meeting with the vet twice a year will help to identify problems early on. Senior pets can be effected by many chronic diseases, including:

  diabetes
  cancer
  kidney failure
  vision problems
  intestinal disorders
  dental disease
  behavioral issues

Senior pets that see the veterinarian as recommended will receive exams more often, which should include a health consultation, physical exam, diagnostic tests, fecal exams, age-appropriate vaccinations, and health and wellness recommendations. Diagnostic steps such as obtaining blood work, feeling for lumps and bumps, and listening to the heart beat will provide a good ‘inside look’ at how your senior pet is doing.

Keeping your senior pet healthy and enjoying a good quality of life largely depends upon prevention. If you meet with your Jacksonville veterinarian twice per year, we can help to identify key areas that need to be addressed, and help to prevent chronic diseases.

What else should you be aware of?

There are other issues that effect senior pets, as well, such as:

  Arthritis. Many senior pets experience arthritis, which can result in being reluctant to move or play, having difficulty getting up and down stairs, and suffering from stiffness. If necessary, we can provide anti-inflammatory medications to help make your pet more comfortable.
  Dental diseases. Dental problems can lead to other, more serious health issues. Keep an eye out for such issues as drooling, difficulty eating, swollen or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, and bad breath.

If you live in the Jacksonville or Jacksonville Beach area and would like to have your senior pet examined by our veterinarians, contact us today. Pet Doctors of America offers quality, yet affordable Jacksonville veterinarian services, and we serve the entire Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area. We have two locations for your convenience, and we look forward to helping you with your senior pet needs!

Pet Doctors of America

(904) 201-4148

1103 South Third Street Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Pablo Station 14333-42 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32250