Large and giant-sized dogs are typically considered seniors at the age of 7. Smaller dogs are considered seniors around the age of 8 or 9. Cats are considered seniors also around the age of 9. As a general rule, by the time a dog or cat is in their double digits, they are considered geriatric.
If you notice a sudden change in your senior pet’s disposition, or sleeping or eating patterns, please call us immediately to bring them in for an evaluation.
Whether your senior is acting strangely, or just in need of a check-up, we have a few routine tests for seniors that can help us evaluate their overall health. These tests include:
- Urinalysis is a test performed on the urine of a pet. It can help us detect problems in the kidneys and liver, as well as diabetes.
- Blood work helps us to detect a large number of issues ranging from infections, to blood diseases such as leukemia, to viruses such as Lyme disease. It is one of the most effective methods of understanding a pet’s complete body chemistry.
- X-Rays allow us to pinpoint arthritis and cancer, two conditions that may not be apparent during a physical examination or blood work.
- Glaucoma screening measures the pressure in the eyes. This is key for senior pets as glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.