Graceful Aging for Your Pet
Just because your pet is getting older, doesn’t mean he or she can’t have a fulfilling life. Like humans, prolonged vitality depends on a healthy lifestyle and diligently managed health care. At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we are here to help with both aspects.
With the exception of a few breeds, most pets become seniors around the age of 8. Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine, dogs and cats are living longer than ever before. The bad news—the increase in lifespan is accompanied by an increase in ailments and diseases that can potentially affect your pet. A proactive and preventive approach to your pet’s health is more important than ever before. This is why we suggest increasing his or her physical exams to twice per year.
What to expect with senior pet wellness exams in Knoxville
- Comprehensive physical examinations
- Heartworm testing
- Screening for intestinal parasites/de-worming
- Vaccinations when appropriate
- Dental examinations
- Senior wellness blood work
- Urinalysis
- Evaluation for osteoarthritis
- Discussion of the aging process
- Discussion of any behavior changes
- Answers to any questions you may have
You, as the owner, will be counseled on subjects such as dental care, nutrition, exercise, and the warning signs that something more serious than aging is affecting your pet.
Symptoms to look for
- Radical decrease in appetite
- Radical increase in water consumption or urinations
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Dramatic change in behavior
- Change in housebreaking
- Trouble walking
- Coughing or gagging
- Fatigue or shortness of breath
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to notify us immediately.
To find out more about our senior pet wellness program, or to make an appointment for your pet, contact us today.