Senior Pet Healthcare

As part of the family, our pets have been with us through the best and worst times. Providing unconditional love and companionship, they are truly irreplaceable. Growing older is a natural part of life, and for many pets, it’s a process that happens far too soon. Whilst it may be a natural part of life, our pet’s golden years shouldn’t have to impact your relationship and their quality of life. 

By regularly scheduling a senior pet check up, you can ensure that they are in the best shape for as long as possible. We’ll be exploring the importance of senior pet healthcare in detecting potential issues, as well as in taking a proactive approach. 

How To Maintain Senior Pet Health

From regular checkups for early detection to taking proactive steps with diet and lifestyle, as well as building a good relationship with your senior pet vet, here’s what you need to know to maintain your senior pet’s health throughout the golden years.

Early Detection

Just like many other health conditions, many age-related issues develop slowly and silently, without visible symptoms, which is why regular checks are so important. Even if it’s not visible to the untrained eye, veterinarians - and particularly those who specialise in senior pet health - know exactly what to look for depending on the type of pet you have, their breed, and their age. 

Whilst it might differ slightly, there are several things that vets will look for. Unintended weight loss or gain can be a symptom of underlying diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or even cancer, depending on the type of pet you have, and depending on their activity levels and appetite, this might instigate further investigation. 

A very active dog that no longer is excited about walks, or a cat with a voracious appetite that no longer wants to eat at mealtimes can be a cause for concern. Animals can have slight fluctuations in their behaviour just as humans do, but if this becomes a regular occurrence, it can be a red flag, particularly in senior pets.

Poor dental health can be a source of pain and discomfort for pets, which may stop them from eating, and arthritis can significantly impact their mobility, both of which might be the cause for changes in behaviour. By sharing as many details as you can with your senior pet vet, no matter how trivial, it might help with diagnosing conditions earlier, and treatment or pain management as a result. 
Your vet might also check for lumps or bumps, and test your pet's vision and hearing. If your pet is starting to lose their sight or hearing, early detection can allow for adjustments to be made in your home environment to ensure their continued comfort and safety.

Proactive Care

Senior checkups are about more than just detecting problems, they also allow proactive care, helping to prevent problems before they arise. This might include keeping on top of your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention or switching them to a specific food formulation that can address age-related health concerns or changes in their metabolism. 
Additionally, your pet may suggest adjusting your pet’s exercise levels to prevent overexertion or any potential injuries that might occur. 

Building A Relationship With Your Vet

Regular checkups allow you to build a strong relationship with your veterinarian, and this not only allows your pet to become more comfortable visiting the vet but can also familiarise your veterinarian with your pet's health and temperament. The more often you visit, the more likely your veterinarian will be able to identify changes in behaviour or to detect any conditions that may arise that would otherwise go undetected. As a trusted advisor for your pet, they can answer your questions, address any concerns you may have, and create a tailored senior pet healthcare plan.

By combining early detection with proactive measures, your veterinarian can help to identify any potential issues as early as possible and prevent them in some instances with a tailored healthcare plan. Building a relationship with your vet is especially important for senior pets, as your veterinarian can prescribe medication, dietary changes, pain management strategies, or physical therapy depending on your pet's individual needs. 
At Ripponlea, we understand that your senior pet is still your baby, which is why we offer the best senior pet healthcare to keep your pet in the best shape possible. 

Schedule an appointment with us now to ensure the best quality of life for your pet!