Just like they do with people, senior animals’ medical needs change over time. In fact, pets age nearly seven times faster than humans do. As your cat or dog gets older, they require different nutrition programs and exercise routines. Plus, they are prone to a variety of new diseases once they reach senior status.

Common age-related diseases affecting pets:
• Kidney and liver disease
• Intestinal disorders
• Diabetes
• Joint and bone disease
• Breast and testicular cancer
• Cognitive difficulties

It is important to consider these changes throughout your pet’s life. It can be difficult to separate the natural aging process from emerging medical disorders. Treatments are often adjusted based on a pet’s age and other factors. Routine wellness exams are the best way to identify and treat problems early.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that senior pets see their veterinarians every six months. These establish your pet’s baseline health and are used to ensure that your pet is aging normally. Bay Animal Hospital’s veterinarians provide ongoing education to pet owners so you know what to expect from, and how to prepare for, senior animals. To maintain your pet’s healthy lifestyle and keep your pet comfortable, you may need to make changes to feeding and exercise.

We are always available to answer questions you may have about your aging companion. Schedule an appointment today to discover the many ways Bay Animal Hospital can help your senior pet!