Pets face many of the same health challenges that humans do as they get older. These can range from decreased mobility and weight gain to decreased vision and diseases like diabetes.
Most animals age at a much faster and more dramatic rate than humans because their projected life span is quite a bit shorter. For example, one year in a cat’s life can equal five years in a human’s life and over that time a cat can develop health problems that require attention from a veterinarian. This means that we have to be proactive about our pets’ care particularly in the senior years and we have to catch diseases, such as heart disease or a kidney problem as early as possible.
Ellerslie Vet Clinic recommends that you bring your senior pet in twice a year for a full physical exam and to perform annual blood and urine testing (and sometimes diagnostic imaging), to screen for potential conditions or diseases, as well as establishing baseline measurements for future use. By detecting and treating problems early, pets are able to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
At Ellerslie Vet Clinic we are not just looking to extend the life of your animal with our comprehensive care. We believe that the quality of life is just as important as the quantity!
How Old Is Your Pet, Really?
Typically, pets are considered to be seniors around the age of nine. Of course, this will vary according to a pet’s species, size, and breed. Click on the following link to figure out how old your dog is in human years: