Senior Care for Pets

Senior pets need special care for their changing needs. At Onoway Veterinary Clinic, we are experts at ensuring our senior patients are comfortable, happy and healthy. The late years of your pet's life should be golden, even if they have known illnesses. With two routine veterinary visits each year, we can manage your senior pet's illnesses and prevent them from causing irreparable damage. To schedule a wellness checkup for your senior pet, give us a call at 780-967-2967.

When is my pet considered a senior?

Various factors can determine if your pet is a senior. Some pets age faster because of their breed and size. For cats and some dogs, they may be considered seniors from ages 8 to 10-years-old. Large breed dogs age faster and can be considered seniors as early as 7-years-old. Your veterinarian can determine when your pet enters senior status by examining them.

Are veterinary visits necessary if my senior pet isn't sick?

Absolutely! As your pet ages, their immune system weakens and their bodies slow down, which makes them vulnerable to developing various diseases. It is not uncommon for your pet to appear healthy while having underlying health problems. During veterinary visits, our team can perform bloodwork, physical examination and other diagnostic exams like ultrasounds and X-rays to examine their vital organs. These veterinary visits are crucial to keeping your senior pet in good health and living longer.

What are signs that my pet is becoming a senior?

Senior pets will experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue or less energy
• Hearing or sight problems
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Dull hair/fur
• Increase or decrease in urinating, drinking or eating
• Confusion
• Changes in sleep pattern

If you spot these signs, it's important that your pet gets assessed sooner than later. By examining your pet, our team can get ahead of diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart problems, and more.