Senior Care

Time flies when you are having fun – and in many ways, the same can be said about our furry friends. Dogs are considered seniors at around 7-years-old, while cats are considered elderly when they reach their 11th year. At this stage in their lives, pets need more care and attention both at home and here with their veterinary team. For this reason, our veterinarians have specific treatments and care plans for our senior aged patients. To make sure your pet stays comfortable and as healthy as possible at this point in their life, please don’t hesitate to call us at 902-543-5602.

What are the most common illnesses that affect senior pets?

Factors like your pet’s species, breed and any pre-existing health conditions can influence the types of conditions they can develop as they grow older. Here at South Shore, the most common types of health problems we see in our senior patients are:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Kidney Disease
• Gum Disease

What is the best way to care for a senior pet?

Regular examinations (at least twice per year) are a key component of keeping your senior pet healthy. This will help us detect and get ahead of any health issues early on before they get worse. Aside from that, it is important to keep your older pet mentally and physically engaged with low-impact exercises and playtime with you, other people and other pets. Paying closer attention to their changing needs is also important. You may need to make tweaks to their activities, diet and environment. For example, it may be a good idea to buy step stools so it is easier for them to get in and out of your bed. Feeding them prescription diets formulated specifically for senior pets may also be a good idea.