We consider pets that are
SEVEN YEARS OLD
or older to be senior-aged pets. At this stage in their lives, dogs and cats are more susceptible to contracting health issues. Early detection can help prevent disease and minimize suffering of an older pet.
Dog Years VS Human Years
7 dog years = 44 – 56 years
10 dog years = 56 – 78 years
15 dog years = 76 – 115 years
20 dog years = 96 – 120 years
Cat Years VS Human Years
7 cat years = 54 years
10 cat years = 63 years
15 cat years = 78 years
20 cat years = 97 years
Getting Older Means Going to the Vet More Often
While annual check-ups are important for pets of all ages, making more frequent vet visits is especially important for mature pets. We consider pets that are seven years old and older to be senior-aged pets. At this stage in their lives, dogs and cats are more susceptible to contracting health issues, including the following:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
Senior pets undergo changes in organs and tissues similar to aging / elderly humans. It is well known that older animals have a higher incidence of such conditions as major organ failure, benign and malignant tumors, arthritis, and loss of hearing and vision as well as dental disease. What is important to know as a pet owner that many of the chronic disorders and disease processes seen in older pets can be medically controlled, and in some cases resolved, if they are detected early enough.
It is important that we shift the way we think from treating sick animals to early detection of disease. This improves the chances that older pets will live longer, happier, and better quality lives. Our goal is to work with you to help your pets live as long and as comfortable as possible by offering the best in medical surveillance and preventative care.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR SENIOR PETS HAPPY & HEALTHY
Regular veterinary check-ups are some of the easiest ways to ensure the health of your mature pet, but there are a few other things you can do to keep your senior pet happy and healthy, including:
- MOBILITY AIDS – Senior pets may not be able to get around as easily as they used to. You can provide assistance by placing ramps for access to high areas like beds and furniture and adding rugs for improved traction on slippery flooring.
- EXERCISE – Exercise is just as important for senior pets as it is for younger pets. It keeps them mobile, boosts their mood and impedes weight gain.
- COMFORTABLE BEDDING – If you haven’t already done so, consider providing your senior pet with a soft, supportive bed for naptime and bedtime.
- HEALTHY DIET – Aging pets should eat food that is tailored to their age group for optimal digestion and caloric intake.
- CAREFUL MONITORING – Keep a lookout for changes in your pet’s behavior and mood, as they may indicate a health condition. Pay special attention to eating, drinking, sleeping and bathroom patterns. Make sure to let your vet know about any changes.
Senior Wellness Programs
Certain breeds “age” faster than others. It has been long known that smaller breeds live longer than giant breeds. For practical purposes, we will consider dogs and cats over eight years old senior, and dogs (over 90lbs) senior at seven years. The programs we have designed are aimed at early discovery and control of the risk factors of diseases and the early detection of sub-clinical diseases in aging pets. It begins with the pet entering its senior years and will be continued through the ensuing years. The Senior Care Basic Program is the minimal baseline protocol for older pets.
This program is for pets in the senior years that are considered “healthy” by you and the doctor. This includes a detailed history, including diet, behavior, and medical history, a thorough physical exam, a group of tests that will include blood, urine, stool, and test on the eyes, EKG, and blood pressure. The Senior Care Plus is the minimum for a pet that is experiencing signs and/or symptoms of a disorder or dogs or cats that have breed-specific age-related problems. The program includes the above, plus a chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound. All program services will be provided at a discount.
A consultation with the doctor to discuss results and recommendations will follow. If abnormalities are identified on baseline testing, then additional tests might be necessary. You will also receive a written summary of results and recommendations. We hope you agree that these programs provide a wonderful opportunity for us to truly provide the finest care available for older animals.
Canine Senior Wellness Programs
Basic
-
You save $358.25 with this program (that’s 40%!)!
-
Exam or Consultation (non-plan fee: $77)
-
Comprehensive Blood Test (non-plan fee: $209.50)
-
Thyroid Screening (non-plan fee: $208)
-
Urinalysis (non-plan fee: $80.00)
-
Stool Analysis (non-plan fee: $57.75)
-
EKG (non-plan fee: $86)
-
Eye Pressure (non-plan fee: $59)
-
Schirmer Tear Test (non-plan fee: $37)
-
Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia & Anaplasma Test (non-plan fee: $73)
Plus
-
You save $582.25 with this program (more than 40%!)!
-
Exam or Consultation (non-plan fee: $77)
-
Comprehensive Blood Test (non-plan fee: $209.50)
-
Thyroid Screening (non-plan fee: $208)
-
Urinalysis (non-plan fee: $80)
-
Stool Analysis (non-plan fee: $57.75)
-
EKG (non-plan fee: $86)
-
Eye Pressure (non-plan fee: $59)
-
Schirmer Tear Test (non-plan fee: $37)
-
Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia & Anaplasma Test (non-plan fee: $73)
-
PLUS: Chest X-Ray (non-plan fee: $165)
-
PLUS: Abdominal Ultrasound (non-plan fee: $405)
Feline Senior Wellness Programs
Basic
-
You save $379.25 with this program (that’s more than 40%!)!
-
Exam or Consultation (non-plan fee: $77)
-
Comprehensive Blood Test (non-plan fee: $209.50)
-
Thyroid Screening (non-plan fee: $208)
-
Urinalysis (non-plan fee: $80)
-
Stool Analysis (non-plan fee: $57.75)
-
EKG (non-plan fee: $86)
-
Blood Pressure (non-plan fee: $57)
-
Feline Leukemia, AIDS & Heartworm Test (non-plan fee: $83)
Plus
-
You save $573.25 with this program (more than 40%!)!
-
Exam or Consultation (non-plan fee: $77)
-
Comprehensive Blood Test (non-plan fee: $209.50)
-
Thyroid Screening (non-plan fee: $208)
-
Urinalysis (non-plan fee: $80)
-
Stool Analysis (non-plan fee: $57.75)
-
EKG (non-plan fee: $86)
-
Blood Pressure (non-plan fee: $57)
-
Feline Leukemia, AIDS & Heartworm Test (non-plan fee: $83)
-
PLUS: Chest X-Ray (non-plan fee: $165)
-
PLUS: Abdominal Ultrasound (non-plan fee: $405)
