September is Senior Pet Health Awareness Month

By David Gagnon, DVM

 

 

 

We all, at one time or another, have had (or will have) older pets.  When are our pets considered “seniors”?  Hard to say exactly, though in dogs we can estimate around 7-8 years old, and in cats around 8-9 years old.  Just because your pet is considered a senior, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily time for him to slow down or show his age.  Some energetic animals will finally become more mellow, but not all.

Cats and dogs age much faster than humans do, and the rate even depends on the size of the animal.  Larger dogs age far more quickly than small ones, so our “rule” about the age of seniority does vary.  Upon entering their golden years, the likelihood of developing certain conditions increases.  Some animals become arthritic, some develop hormonal abnormalities, while others grow tumors… the list goes on.  That’s not to say your pet’s quality of life will diminish, or that we can’t always treat these conditions.  But this is a particularly important time to keep a close eye on our furry friends, and consider being proactive in looking for changes.


My name is Rikishi, and I will be 14 years
old September 30!  Thank you to the doctors
and staff at KVC for helping to keep me
healthy all these years!!


Checking bloodwork, looking at radiographs (x-rays), evaluating blood pressure, and doing a urinalysis are all great ways of gathering information about your pet’s health.  Dogs and cats alike can benefit from a wellness screen.  What we hope for is a completely normal result in all aspects, which not only rules out many diseases, but also gives us an accurate baseline in case we need to repeat any test in the future.  If we stumble upon something that is unusual, we can jump on it as early as possible.  This may involve something as simple as a change in diet, or something as advanced as surgery to remove a previously-undetected mass.
 
 Our team at Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic believes strongly in preventative medicine, and early treatment when needed.  Being proactive in your pet’s healthcare can provide you with peace of mind in knowing your best friend is in good health, or that we can maintain a good quality of life for a long time.  Ask one of us about our senior wellness plans and which tests are available for your dog or cat. 

In any older pet, ultimately, the time will come when you know they just can’t go any longer.  Whether due to disease, or weakness from arthritis and old age, things will decline.  It’s at that time that it’s necessary, albeit difficult, to consider euthanizing.  It’s our final way to pay them with our love, and allow them to slip away quietly and peacefully, with dignity and comfort.  Although it’s not an enjoyable service, it’s out of respect for our animals that we can give this to them.