Once pets reach 7 years old we consider them to be geriatric or senior patients! At this point it is extremely important to have check ups every 6 months. There can be old age changes that, if caught early on, can be slowed to help extend your pets quality of life. We recommend having annual blood work once a pet reaches 7 years and twice yearly after age 10. Also, at this stage of life it is extremely important to keep your pet on all prescribed or recommended medications as your Veterinarian suggests. Some things to look for which could indicate a problem would be behavior changes, differences in appetite or thirst (either increased or decreased), changes in urination or stool production, lethargy, and problems seeing or hearing to name only a few. Remember, you know your pet best so, if you feel there is cause for concern please don't hesitate to call your Veterinarian to set up an appointment.
For more information on your senior pet please visit any one of these websites:
Jackie Yedesko, LVT
Crystal Hensley, LVT
