At Animal Medical Center of Woodland Park, we offer high quality care for dogs and cats of all ages, including senior dogs and cats, which are pets
SEVEN YEARS OLD
or older. Senior pets require appointments more often to provide the care they need. We can perform thorough physical exams, as well as lab testing to help maintain your senior dog or cat’s quality of life.
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
How We Care for Your Senior Pet
We recommend bi-annual exams for senior pets to enable our team to provide more comprehensive care, including cat and dog pain management, lab testing, and vaccinations, along with a thorough physical exam. We can examine your pet and check for any signs of more serious health issues that pets are known to be more susceptible for as they age including:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
Scheduling wellness visits more frequently can offer opportunity for early detection, which means we can provide treatment that is more effective and potentially save your pet from experiencing uncomfortable symptoms for a longer period of time.
What Can I Do for My Senior Pets At Home?
Yet another important aspect of your pet’s health is how they spend their time at home. In between visits to our animal hospital, there are a few things you can do for your senior dog or cat to help them age with grace:
- MOBILITY AID – Covering slick floors with rugs or providing a stepstool or ramp near raised furniture can make it easier for your senior pet to move around your home more comfortably.
- ADEQUATE EXERCISE – Try taking your senior pet for a short walk around the neighborhood at least once a day. This can help make sure they maintain their mobility, help improve their mood, and avoid weight gain which can be especially harmful during their golden years.
- COMFORTABLE BEDDING – Does your pet have a comfy go-to spot in your house? Older pets may benefit from having a cozy, supportive bed to nap in during the day and rest in at night.
- HEALTHY DIET – All pets should receive food that is most suitable for their age range, and this is especially true of senior pets. A properly formulated diet can assist with good digestion and appropriate caloric intake.
- CLOSE SUPERVISION – If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, it’s important to let their veterinarian know as soon as possible. This is particularly important for senior pets, as a change in their eating, drinking, sleeping or bathroom patterns can signal a change in their health as well.
