Senior Wellness
Senior Pet Wellness Care in St. Paul, MN
Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illness progress quicker as well. Most dogs are considered seniors when they hit seven, cats around nine.
To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest, most comfortable life possible, Life Care Animal Hospital 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.
Laboratory tests are one of the most important parts of a senior exam. Blood screenings evaluate red and white blood cells and reveal how well the kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid are functioning. A urinalysis may also be recommended to screen for infection or crystals and help evaluate kidney function. Based on your pet’s individual needs, other tests may be recommended such as blood pressure or x-rays.
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 cat get to the geriatric stage, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction—such as losing housebreaking, getting lost or wandering aimlessly—is very important. Our team can help suggest behavioral modifications, supplements or medications to help ease some of these symptoms.
Contact Us About Senior Pet Wellness Care
To schedule a wellness exam for your senior pet, call us at 651-774-6063.