Caring for Your Senior Pet: A Lifelong Commitment
As our beloved pets age, they deserve the same quality of care that has brought them joy and health throughout their lives. At Caring Hearts Animal Hospital we are dedicated to providing the best care for your senior pets, helping them maintain a high quality of life in their golden years.
Guided by the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines
As a long time accredited member, we follow the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Senior Care Guidelines, which emphasize the importance of regular health assessments, tailored nutrition, and proactive management of age-related conditions. These guidelines, written by foremost experts on pet aging, help us identify potential health issues early, allowing for more effective treatment and improved outcomes.
Call (704) 893-2799 or use our online form to book an appointment for your senior pet!
Regular Health Assessments
For senior pets, we recommend biannual wellness exams to monitor their health closely. These visits include comprehensive blood work, urinalysis, and other diagnostics to screen for common age-related diseases such as arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes. Early detection is key to managing these conditions and ensuring your pet’s comfort and longevity. Sometimes a simple dietary change can greatly improve a pet's medical condition if we catch it early.
Here's a simple outline that shows when dogs and cats are generally considered to be senior based on their age and size:
Age Classification Chart for Dogs and Cats
Cats
- 11 years and older
Dogs
- Small (under 25 lbs)- 9 years and older
- Medium (25-50 lbs)- 8 years and older
- Large (51-100 lbs)- 7 years and older
- Giant (over 100 lbs)- 6 years and older
Cats are typically considered senior when they reach 11 years of age. Their aging process is more uniform compared to dogs, so there is no size differentiation in this category.
The age at which dogs are considered senior varies based on their size:
- Small Dogs (under 25 lbs) generally enter their senior years at around 9 years old.
- Medium Dogs (25-50 lbs) are considered seniors starting at 8 years old.
- Large Dogs (51-100 lbs) usually become seniors at around 7 years old.
- Giant Dogs (over 100 lbs) are considered senior from about 6 years old.
These age ranges are general guidelines, and the exact timing can vary based on an individual pet’s health, breed, and genetics. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health and provide the best care as they age.
Pain Management and Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis is a common issue in senior pets, leading to pain and decreased mobility. We offer the latest treatments to manage arthritis, including **Solensia** for cats and **Librela** for dogs. These innovative treatments target the pain associated with arthritis, helping your pet move more comfortably and live more fully.
If you would like to assess your pet’s mobility simply follow the links below. You can even print the results or email it to yourself to share with your pet’s doctor.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Proper nutrition is crucial for senior pets. We work with you to create a diet plan that supports your pet’s specific health needs, focusing on maintaining a healthy weight, supporting joint health, and managing chronic conditions like kidney disease. Carrying extra weight is very challenging for older animals so maintaining a healthy size is vital to their wellbeing.
Senior Pet-Friendly Environment
We understand that senior pets may have different needs than younger animals. Our hospital environment is designed to reduce stress, with quiet, comfortable spaces and gentle handling techniques tailored to older pets.
Insights from Dr. Mary Gardner
Dr. Mary Gardner, a recognized expert in senior pet care, emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to caring for aging pets. This includes not only addressing medical issues but also considering the emotional and psychological well-being of your pet. We incorporate her insights into our practice, ensuring that every aspect of your pet’s care is considered.
Schedule a Senior Wellness Visit Today
Your senior pet deserves the best care possible. Contact Caring Hearts Animal Hospital to schedule a wellness visit and take the first step toward ensuring your pet’s comfort and happiness in their senior years.