What Is Geriatric Pet Care?
Geriatric pet care refers to the veterinary care provided to older pets, typically those who have reached the last quarter of their expected lifespan. For most dogs, this age is around seven years, while for cats, it’s around ten years. As pets age, they are more susceptible to a range of conditions, including arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and cognitive dysfunction. Geriatric pet care aims to monitor your pet’s health closely, identify issues early, and provide treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
At Wrightstown Veterinary Clinic, our geriatric pet care includes thorough physical examinations, diagnostic testing, and ongoing monitoring of chronic conditions. Our veterinarians will evaluate your pet’s mobility, weight, dental health, and organ function to catch any signs of illness before they become serious. This allows us to provide targeted care that can improve your pet’s comfort and longevity.
The Benefits of Geriatric Pet Care
Early detection and intervention are key benefits of regular geriatric pet care. Many age-related diseases, such as arthritis or kidney disease, progress slowly, and pets often do not show obvious symptoms until the condition has significantly worsened. By scheduling regular senior wellness exams, we can detect these issues early and develop a treatment plan to manage symptoms and slow the progression of disease. This improves your pet’s quality of life and reduces the likelihood of sudden health crises.
In addition to medical management, geriatric pet care also focuses on lifestyle adjustments. Nutritional counseling plays an important role in maintaining your senior pet’s health, as older pets often have changing dietary needs. Whether it’s adjusting calorie intake to prevent obesity or managing a special diet for kidney disease, we provide personalized recommendations to help your pet thrive.
When to Seek Geriatric Pet Care?
If your pet is entering their senior years, it’s important to schedule their geriatric exam in Wrightstown, WI even if they appear healthy. Subtle signs of aging, such as reduced activity, difficulty climbing stairs, or changes in behavior, may indicate the onset of age-related conditions. Regular checkups will help monitor these changes and ensure any issues are addressed early.
Common signs that your senior pet may need geriatric care include weight loss, increased drinking and urination, changes in appetite, stiffness or limping, and confusion or disorientation. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to bring your pet in for an evaluation. At Wrightstown Veterinary Clinic, we will perform a comprehensive health assessment to determine the cause of these changes and offer treatment options.
Comprehensive Geriatric Care at Wrightstown Veterinary Clinic
Our approach to geriatric pet care in Wrightstown, WI, is based on a deep understanding of your pet’s changing needs. We provide compassionate and individualized care, ensuring your pet receives the attention they deserve as they age. From preventive care and pain management to dietary advice and ongoing monitoring, Wrightstown Veterinary Clinic is committed to helping your senior pet live a healthy, happy life.
Schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your senior pet is getting the specialized care they need. Geriatric pet care at Wrightstown Veterinary Clinic is designed to give your aging companion the best possible care at every stage of life.