Senior Care for Pets

As pets age, they need additional support and care that meets their current stage of life. With proper care, pets can live almost twice as long as they used to. We want the quality time you spend with your pet to get better with age. In order for your furry family member to live a long full life, they need proactive veterinary care to stay healthy.

How will my pet’s needs change as they age?

It’s no secret that dog/cat years are sometimes twice a human year. For your senior pet, six months could be the equivalent of two years of health changes. To ensure we’re up-to-date with these changes, we recommend semi-annual appointments to monitor their well-being. Pets are great at masking illness and pain from us, which is why it’s important to keep track of any changes you notice. No matter how subtle, they could be an indication of a health complication of chronic disease, since senior pets are more likely to develop them as they age.

What happens during my pet’s semi-annual visit?

During the semi-annual wellness screening, we’ll take your pet’s blood to test for any underlying health issues that might be negatively impacting them. For example, cats are prone to feline hyperthyroidism and kidney problems as they get older. A blood test could reveal the early stages of these diseases and help our team to create a treatment plan that will help us to successfully manage them. Proactive veterinary care is crucial for senior pets because the earlier we detect certain illnesses, the better equipped we are to effectively treat them. Call 604-544-7387 to schedule your pet’s next semi-annual visit so we can tailor their care to their specific needs.

What changes can I expect in my senior pet?

Each pet experiences different changes as they age. Ultimately, you know your pet best and can recognize any changes in their day to day routines. You may need to alter the activities you do with your pet, from more high intensity activities requiring more movement to shorter walks in the park. Your pet might require a special diet or new medication to manage a chronic disease. If you have any questions about your pet’s wellness needs, our veterinary team is happy to make specific recommendations for them.