Maybe you’ve noticed more gray hairs in your pet’s coat or it takes them longer to come to you when you call their name. These are all signs of aging, which means your furry family member has entered their golden years. As your pet moves on to this new stage of life, our veterinary team will support you through these changes.
What are the signs of aging?
Since pets age at different rates, based on factors like their breed and medical history, the signs of aging vary. However, on or after your pet’s seventh birthday, you might notice any of these signs:
- Barking or meowing more
- Eating less
- Being more forgetful of commands
- Moving less
- Urinating around the house more
- Doing fewer activities they enjoy
How does my pet’s care change as they age?
Our veterinary team will need to see your pet frequently. Our yearly visits will turn into seeing you and your furry family member twice a year. As pets age, they become more likely to develop some health conditions. More frequent visits mean we can assess your pet’s overall health and catch any potential issues early on. Early diagnosis increases our ability to effectively treat your pet. Some signs they might be developing a disease include a loss of appetite, vomiting, tiredness, coughing, difficulty breathing and weight gain. If you’re interested in booking an appointment to discuss caring for your senior pet, please contact us at 604-464-6666.
What types of diseases do older pets get diagnosed with?
Some diseases, like arthritis, get progressively worse over time if left untreated. Especially if your pet had injuries in their youth, that could increase their risk of developing arthritis. As your furry family member’s immune system slows down, they’re more susceptible to diseases like cancer, liver disease and kidney disease. They’re also at risk of other issues like heart disease and diabetes.
