At Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn, we provide care for pets of all ages, but we especially emphasize the importance of senior pet care for our clients with aging pets. Just like humans, pets have specific health needs as they grow older. Some of these needs, such as preventative care, apply to almost all aging pets, while others may be unique to your geriatric pooch, feline, or feathered family member.
What Is Senior Pet Wellness and Preventative Care?
For pets over the age of seven years old (five years old for giant breeds of dogs), we consider their wellness exams as "senior wellness exams." Although seven years old might not seem elderly in human years, it’s certainly entering the golden years for cats and dogs. With that in mind, senior pet wellness entails biannual exams instead of the typical annual exams that pet owners schedule for their furry family members in their younger years.
During these visits, our veterinarian will monitor changes between appointments, document a baseline for future health issues, and treat any issues we notice early. Early detection of health problems is crucial for preventative care, as it allows for efficient management and treatment. Additionally, we'll conduct a bloodwork panel to measure thyroid function, blood cell count, and more for your pet. For pets with existing health issues, we'll check to see whether problems have progressed, improved, or remained stable.
Benefits of Routine Pet Exams for Senior Animals
Scheduling routine pet exams for senior pets allows us to catch problems early. By bringing your senior dog or cat into our office every six months, we’ll have a consistent understanding of how his conditions are changing as he ages. We can recommend treatments and lifestyle choices that may maximize the quality of life that your older pet can enjoy. Furthermore, having a baseline for your pet's health will help him receive the care he needs for years to come.
Why Senior Pets Need More Attention
Since senior pets are more prone to developing health issues than their younger counterparts, they need more attention from veterinarians. As they age, some treatments may pose more risks to their well-being. If we catch health issues early, we may not need to resort to invasive treatments. Additionally, early detection gives us a better chance of quickly restoring your pet’s health if any signs of trouble arise.
Contact Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn, NY
To schedule senior pet care and wellness exams, call Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn today at (718) 623-3999. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best possible care for your senior pets and ensure he enjoys his golden years with comfort and happiness.