Senior Care

As your pets get older, they will need more special care and attention. Our hospital offers a senior wellness program that focuses on keeping your fur friend fit and healthy. This program also helps detect health problems earlier so that they can be managed or treated properly and right away. We recommend regular check-ups for pets before they become seniors to establish a baseline health status. Our wellness program can improve your pet’s quality of life.

When do pets become seniors?

We consider dogs that are 7 years and older to be seniors. Cats 8 years and older are recognized as senior. Our veterinarians can determine what senior status your pet is based on their breed and size or whether they are a cat or dog.

What are common health issues among senior pets?

Diagnosing health issues in pets is very important but it becomes even more critical in senior pets. There are typical signs of disease in your pet that you can look for, they range from weight loss or gain, lethargy, decrease in activity or exercise, loss of appetite, increase or decrease in eating/drinking or urinating. Common illnesses in senior pets include:

• Cognitive dysfunction syndrome which is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hormone disorder
• Kidney and liver problems

Most pets do not show signs or symptoms of disease until they are advanced, so regular veterinary exams are important. Call 604-858-6560 to schedule a consultation for your senior pet or email us at reception@valleyvetservices.com.

How should I care for my senior pet?

It is difficult for pet owners to see the clinical signs of what their pets need, so we strongly recommend that they undergo wellness examinations regularly.

Working with a veterinarian allows pet owners to provide senior pets with the care that they need at their age. Our veterinarians will create a senior wellness plan for your particular pet. A senior wellness plan can treat many symptoms associated with aging. We provide medication to reduce or prevent pain, recommend nutritional and exercise plans, and suggest environmental changes.