Senior Care

Our faithful companions can live a good life with us. Their needs will change over the years and it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms that could indicate the onset of disease. The annual physical examination is a good starting point and your veterinarian might also suggest a full blood panel for further investigations. Let us steer you through the treatments and prevention measures your pet will need during these golden years.

At what age is my pet considered a senior?

Animals are considered seniors when they are 7 years old. They enter the geriatric phase of their lives when they are 15 years old. Our pets have a shorter life expectancy than humans.

• 10 years for a cat is equivalent to 56 human years. It is not uncommon for cats to live until the age of 20, which is the equivalent of 96 for a human being!

• Life expectancy varies depending on the dog. Large dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy than smaller dogs.

It is important to tell the veterinary staff if you noticed any behavioural changes, decreased or increased appetite, weight gain or loss, increased thirst or more abundant urine in the litter box. All this valuable information will help us establish an action plan!

How should I care for my senior dog?

The different stages of your pet’s life require a specific diet, health care and exercise regimen to meet their individual needs. The annual check-up is the perfect opportunity to discuss the needs of your senior dog. Our veterinary team is a valuable resource to answer all of your questions.

How should I care for my senior cat?

Senior cats require a diet that is adapted to their needs and a yearly check-up with blood work and a urinalysis. Depending on the results of the diagnostic tests, the veterinarian will be able to make nutritional recommendations and tell you how often you should come for senior pet visits.

Why does my senior cat have behavioural problems?

Behavioural problems are often a symptom of an undiagnosed underlying disease. They may have primary behavioural disorders, but those are rarer.

What are common health problems of senior pets?

The most common problems encountered in senior cats are obesity, periodontal diseases, arthritis, heart problems, diabetes, kidney diseases and feline hyperthyroidism.

As for senior dogs, the most common health problems are obesity, arthritis, diabetes, periodontal diseases, cognitive dysfunction and hypothyroidism.