Aging Pets

The cycle of life has many stages–childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and seniority. While humans take decades to experience these life stages, most pets go through life at an accelerated rate. The general rule is this: Our pets can age roughly seven years for each one of ours. However, aging is influenced by many factors such as size, breed, lifestyle, and overall health management. Our goal in senior pet care is to enhance both qualities of life and longevity through diligent veterinary wellness care.

Our senior veterinary exams include the following basic tests:

  • Complete blood count
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood-chemistry panel
  • Parasite evaluation
  • Dental exam and X-ray

Senior Pet Wellness

Morton Small Animal Clinic offers a senior pet wellness program that includes bi-annual physical examinations, preventive vaccines, parasite control, and diet and nutrition planning. The early detection and treatment of medical concerns will allow your companion animal to experience the least invasive procedures and optimum level of care, leading to added years of health and vigor.

When the time comes, we will guide you in considering end-of-life issues for your elder pet, such as life-extending treatments, long-term care, pain management, and euthanasia. Our pet memorial program allows you to honor the life of your pet in a very special way.

For more information about caring for your mature pet, the AAHA Healthy Pet website offers this article, The Golden YearsA Little More Care Goes a Long Way for Senior Cats and Dogs. And the Humane Society website offers this support for pet owners who wonder, How to Cope When it’s Time to Say Goodbye.

Screening

 In addition, we screen for the effects of aging in areas such as sensory changes, physical impediments, vision and hearing, nutritional changes, and physical ability. And if your old friend requires surgery, we have an extensive support plan that maximizes tolerance to anesthesia, reduces risk, and enhances recovery. As with any surgical procedure, pain management is every pet’s right, and whether it is for critical care or long-term maintenance, we keep your companion comfortable and enjoying life as fully as possible for as long as possible.