As a pet owner, you want to feel like you're doing everything you can to help keep your pet healthy and safe. This means giving them the proper nutrition, making lifestyle changes, and also getting it the best veterinary care. As pets age, it's important to ensure that they get the senior pet care they need. At Oak Grove Veterinary Hospital in San Jose, CA, our veterinary team provides senior pet care to help your aging pet stay healthy.
Senior Pets
If you're unsure how old your pet is, our veterinarian can help conduct a comprehensive physical exam to help determine age. On average, pets are considered to be geriatric when they reach seven years old. However, some bigger breeds of dogs can begin to show medical problems and signs associated with aging much sooner. Similarly, smaller dogs and some cats might not show signs of aging until after seven years.
Signs Your Pet Needs Geriatric Pet Care
Some health issues and signs of aging include:
- Increasing fatigue
- Changes in mood and diet
- Changes in personality
- Increasing pain and agitation
- Inability to remember familiar people or places
Older pets might also suffer from medical problems, such as diabetes, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, blindness, arthritis and other joint disorders.
Risk Factors
Although all pets will eventually age and suffer from geriatric conditions, certain pets can experience these symptoms associated with aging early on.
If your breed of cat or dog is known to suffer from joint disorders, they have suffered from abuse in the past, or has poor exercise and eating habits, they might develop health issues sooner. It is vital to get regular checkups with our vet so we can detect problems early and provide treatment.
Treatments for Senior Pets
Depending on your animal’s condition, it may need one of the follow veterinary services:
- Orthopedic Procedures
- Pain Management
- Dental Care
- Medication Management
- Lifestyle Advice
- Comprehensive Checkups
- Emergency Care
Visit Our Veterinarian in San Jose, CA for Senior Pet Care
No one wants their pet to suffer from pain, have a shortened life span, or have a low quality of life. Routine wellness checkups are vital in making sure that your geriatric pet is not suffering. At Oak Grove Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive senior pet care. Our vet will answer any questions you have about caring for your animal. Call us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more.