Geriatric Medicine
Care for the Golden Years
Here at Indian Street Animal Clinic, we know that your aging pet isn’t just an animal, but a cherished member of your family with unique health needs as they grow older. It can be hard to admit when we see the signs of old age in our animal companions, but the fact is that most dogs are considered seniors when they hit seven, cats around nine. Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illnesses progress quicker as well.
To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest and most comfortable life possible, Indian Street Animal Clinic encourages you to bring your senior pet for exams and blood tests twice each year. This way, we can track how your pet is aging, and we’ll be more likely to catch any developing diseases before they’re big problems.
Blood tests are one of the most important parts of pet geriatric medicine. These blood screenings—often referred to as a “senior panel”— monitor red and white blood cell counts and reveal how well the kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid are functioning. Your vet may recommend a chest x-ray to ensure that the heart is a normal size and that there are no masses in the lungs.
Periodontal disease is always a threat to our pets’ health and comfort, and it’s particularly tough on older pets. That’s why a dental exam is always part of any senior pet screening as well.
Finally, make sure to let your vet know about any behavior changes in your pet. Once dogs and cats get to the geriatric stage, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction—such as losing housebreaking, getting lost, or wandering aimlessly—is very important.
Drawing on our rich experience and heartfelt compassion in geriatric pet care, we’re fully equipped to guide you through the unique challenges of caring for your senior pet. Our team is committed to curating personalized care plans that not only extend their life span but genuinely enhance their golden years while effectively managing any conditions commonly linked with old age.
Rest assured that at our clinic, every wagging tail or purring friend receives nothing less than love-filled and expert senior pet care. They’ve earned it!