As pets age, they require additional support to stay healthy.
While some aging pets may still seem energetic and playful, senior pets are more prone to developing age-related health conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and heart issues. At easyvet Melissa, we provide targeted senior pet care. Our services for older cats and dogs in Melissa, TX manage these changes and give your pet a chance to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
What to Consider When Caring for an Aging Pet
Senior pets may experience subtle changes in their health and behavior that can be easy to overlook. Regular veterinary care can detect and manage these issues before they become serious. As your pet ages, consider the following:
Mobility & Joint Health:
Arthritis and joint stiffness are common in older pets. Providing supportive bedding, joint-friendly food, or pain management can keep them comfortable.
Weight Management & Nutrition:
Senior pets may require lower-calorie diets to prevent weight gain or specialized nutrition to support kidney or joint health.
Cognitive Changes:
Some pets experience signs of cognitive dysfunction, such as confusion, disorientation, or changes in sleep patterns.
Changes in Vision & Hearing:
If your four-legged companion seems less responsive, they may be experiencing vision loss or hearing impairment. Adapting their environment can help them feel safe and confident.
Senior pets benefit from twice-yearly check-ups.
These more frequent visits allow our veterinarians to closely monitor changes in your pet’s health and catch signs of health concerns. Some conditions, like kidney disease or arthritis, develop gradually, making it essential to track any subtle symptoms. Biannual veterinary exams matter for senior bets because:
- Age-related diseases can progress quickly if left undetected.
- Early intervention can improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
- With more frequent check-ups, treatment plans for chronic conditions can be adjusted.
For pets diagnosed with certain chronic conditions or on specific medications, we may recommend even more frequent visits to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Annual Bloodwork: A Key Tool for Senior Pet Health
Routine bloodwork is one of the most important tools for detecting hidden health issues in aging pets. At easyvet Melissa, we recommend running a senior wellness panel at least once a year to screen for common age-related concerns such as kidney, liver, and thyroid function as well as anemia, diabetes, infections, and immune system changes.
By making annual bloodwork a part of your senior pet’s routine care, we can detect potential problems early and take steps to manage their health more effectively.
Choose a compassionate vet for senior pet care in Melissa, TX.
easyvet Melissa provides senior pet care for cats and dogs in Melissa, New Hope, Roland, Anna, Chambliss, Altoga, and nearby Texas communities.
