Senior Care for Pets

Senior pets need special care that changes with them as their body ages. Our veterinary care team has years of experience restructuring care and treatment plans for loyal companions in their golden age. We can guide you on what to expect as your furry friend begins to experience emotional, cognitive and physical changes. Our goal is to make this transition seamless for you and your family while keeping your loyal companion as healthy as possible.

When is my pet considered a senior?

In general, we consider pets 8 years and older to be seniors. This doesn’t sound like a lot in human years but pets age three times as fast as humans. You may see the signs of aging earlier or later due to your pet’s breed and size. For instance, bigger breed dogs show signs faster than smaller ones. To learn more about the seniority of your pet contact our veterinarians at 403-637-3928.

What are the signs of aging?

1. Loss of appetite
2. Lumps and bumps on their body
3. Less energy
4. Weight loss or gain
5. Greying around the face
6. Hearing problems
7. Increase/decrease in urinating or drinking

What are common illnesses that affect senior pets?

As your pet ages, they may experience health issues they would not normally have in their youth. This is why it is important to have senior pets come in twice each year to catch health conditions early. At their age, any illness they develop poses a serious threat to their life. Common illnesses we see in senior pets include:

• Cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimer’s disease)
• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Arthritis
• Hormone disorder
• Kidney and liver problems