Your pet will enter their senior years around 7-10 years old.
Once cats and dogs reach their later years, they require more targeted care to stay comfortable and healthy. Aging pets may slow down, develop mobility issues, or experience changes in appetite, weight, or behavior. At easyvet Allen, we help senior pets thrive by providing proactive wellness care, disease detection, and compassionate treatment plans for pets in our Allen, TX community.
Signs of Aging in Senior Pets
Every pet ages differently, but as dogs and cats enter their senior years, you may notice subtle or significant changes in their behavior and physical condition. Some common signs of aging include:
- Decreased energy levels or reluctance to exercise
- Stiffness, limping, or difficulty getting up and down
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Increased or decreased urination
- Cloudy eyes
- Hearing loss or decreased responsiveness
- Appearance of lumps or masses
Sometimes, these changes can be benign, but they could also indicate underlying health issues. Get a professional assessment from a veterinarian by scheduling an appointment. Regular senior pet wellness check-ups with the vet will also catch potential concerns.
Aging pets are more prone to developing health concerns.
Senior pets are at a higher risk for developing chronic conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Because of this, we recommend bringing aging pets in at least twice a year for check-ups.
During these biannual senior wellness visits, our veterinary team will perform a comprehensive physical exam, monitor for early signs of disease, assess mobility and joint health, and discuss any changes at home like adjusting nutrition for weight gain. For pets with chronic conditions or those on long-term medications, more frequent visits may be necessary to monitor their progress and adjust treatments as needed.
Senior Pet Lab Work
Routine lab work is more important than ever as pets age. Many illnesses, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes, can develop without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Annual diagnostics can be key to catching these conditions early when they are easier to manage.
Our veterinarians recommend lab testing for senior pets at least once a year. Comprehensive bloodwork through senior blood panels checks for organ function, anemia, and metabolic disorders. A urinalysis can screen for kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and diabetes. Annual fecal testing for parasites should be performed annually throughout a pet’s life. Additional testing may be recommended based on your pet’s health history and if they are taking any specific medications.
Visit us for senior pet care in Allen, TX.
easyvet Allen provides senior pet veterinary care for dogs and cats in Allen, Twin Creeks, Watters Crossing, Fairview, Ridgeview Ranch, Richwoods, Hunter’s Glen, Branch, and the surrounding Texas areas.
