Caring for Your Senior Pet’s Changing Needs
As pets grow older, their care needs evolve. At Newport Veterinary Hospital, we customize wellness plans to support your senior pet’s health, mobility, and comfort at every stage of aging.
Large breed dogs may begin showing signs of aging by age seven, while most cats enter their senior years around nine. Through regular screenings, mobility support, tailored nutrition, and pain management, we strive to keep your pet active, comfortable, and thriving for years to come.
Supporting Your Pet in Their Senior Years
Compassionate Preventive Care for Your Senior Pets
As pets grow older, they are more susceptible to chronic conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, dental issues, cancer, and cognitive decline. That’s why regular wellness exams—often more than once a year—are crucial for senior pets.
Early detection plays a vital role in keeping your pet comfortable and healthy. Routine tests allow us to identify potential issues early, often before any signs become noticeable at home.
What Happens During a Senior Pet Wellness Visit
We may recommend a Senior Wellness Profile, which helps us assess your pet’s internal health and detect early signs of illness:
- Comprehensive Bloodwork: Checks for diabetes, anemia, kidney disease, and other conditions.
- Thyroid Test: Detects hormonal imbalances that can mimic signs of aging.
- Annual Heartworm Test: Important even if your pet is on prevention, as breakthrough cases can happen.
- Urine Analysis: Evaluates kidney function, hydration, and screens for infections or hidden problems.
- X-Rays: Examines bone and joint health to identify arthritis, cancer, or other issues.
If you notice any sudden changes in your senior pet, don’t hesitate to contact us with your concerns. Maintaining healthy habits like regular exercise, routine veterinary visits, and balanced nutrition can help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout their golden years.
Proactive Pain Management and Relief
Osteoarthritis and chronic pain are common in aging pets—especially cats, where symptoms can be subtle. What may seem like “slowing down” could actually be your pet experiencing discomfort.
Pain often goes unnoticed, but it doesn’t have to go untreated. Whether your pet is showing signs of pain or you want to plan ahead, we’re here to support you.
Through early screenings, personalized treatments, and effective pain management, we aim to keep your pet comfortable, mobile, and active for as long as possible.
Discover how we can help your pet enjoy their golden years with ease and comfort.
