Geriatric Pet Care

Sometimes the golden years aren’t so golden.

As your pet ages, it’s important to pay special attention to their overall health and happiness. For some pets, this means just occasional blood screenings, but for others, there may be the necessity for more frequent visits to East Longmeadow Animal Hospital. Most older cats or dogs can be helped with pain medications alone or in conjunction with natural supplements.

Some common ailments that we screen for include:

• Heart issues
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Dental concerns
• Hearing and vision loss
• Major organ functions

How do you know if your pet is a senior?
Often cats are considered mature at ages 7-10 years and seniors from 11 years of age and older. Most dogs are considered to be seniors once they reach 8 years of age. Some larger breeds like Great Danes are considered seniors around 6 or 7 years of age.

Does my senior pet require extra tests?
Once your pet is 8 years of age or older, we recommend getting baseline bloodwork and urine in order to screen for underlying conditions that may not be noticeable at home yet. Many slow-to-progress issues are hard to recognize at home since owners see their pets every day.

Are there symptoms and changes I should look for in my senior pet?
If your senior pet develops any of these symptoms, you should call us at 413-788-9657 to schedule an appointment:

• Extreme weight loss
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Loss of house training
• Changes in activity level
• Loss of hearing or vision
• Increase in thirst /urination