As our care of our canine and feline companions continues to improve, our pets are living longer, healthier lives.    However, older age is still often accompanied by special concerns and problems.  We want your pet’s golden years to be as relaxing and restful as possible.  With this goal in mind, we would like you as an owner to be as educated as possible concerning your pet's special needs.  September is "Senior Pet Health Month" so we would like to take this opportunity to bring some senior pet concerns to light!

Regular veterinary check-ups every six to twelve months are essential in prolonging any pet's life.  This is especially true concerning our senior pets, particularly those over 10 years of age.  These routine physicals can be vital in disease prevention as well as early detection of existing health concerns.  During a health check, Dr. Bowles will be assessing your pet for concerns such as oral problems, heart and circulatory disorders, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, arthritis, cancer, and even symptoms of dementia.  At this check-up, you will receive a report that documents any changes in each of your pet’s body systems. 

Some of these diseases can not be diagnosed with a physical exam alone.  Therefore, the veterinarians may recommend bloodwork to establish baseline values for your pet or to diagnose a disease.  Please discuss your health concerns for your pets with Dr. Bowles so that the appropriate steps can be taken to address your concerns.

As your pet's primary caretaker, you are an essential part of their health.  We rely heavily on your observations to decide how to treat your pet!  Sometimes the early stages of disease will become apparent through signs that you may see at home.  General signs to watch for include:

-  Lethargy (decreased energy)                               

-  Difficulty jumping/weakness in the rear legs

-  Weight loss                                                            

-  Unkept appearance/reluctance to groom

-  Vomiting                                                                 

-  Diarrhea or constipation

-  Change in thirst levels (increase or decrease)    

-  Frequent or inappropriate urination

-  Halitosis (bad breath)                                             

-  Decreased appetite

-  Changes in personality (especially increased aggression or agitation)

These signs can be indicative of many of the health problems challenging our older pets.  Even small fluctuations in some of these parameters can be important, so monitor your pet closely and notify us if any concerns arise! 

We want your relationship with your pet to be as long and rewarding as possible.  Through modern medicine, teamwork, and compassionate care, we hope to make this goal a reality.  Call us today to set up a senior health check-up for your pet!