Quality Vet Care For Your Senior Pets
Your pet is a beloved member of your family. If only they could stay with your family forever! Unfortunately, dogs’ and cats’ lives are far shorter than those of humans, but there are steps you can take to ensure your pet ages as smoothly as fine wine and enjoys the longest, most comfortable life possible. It all starts here at West Ballantyne Animal Hospital! At our veterinary clinic, we strive to be a resource for all pet owners in the Charlotte area whose dogs and cats are approaching the back nine of their lives. We’re sensitive to senior pets’ unique needs. We offer a range of special services for them, including biannual physical exams, screening for diseases, blood and urine tests, and nutritional consulting. The transition to one’s older years is never easy, not for humans or pets, but with an expert veterinary clinic by your side, you can help your beloved furry friend get the most out of their old age. Call West Ballantyne Animal Hospital to make an appointment for your pet today!
West Ballantyne Animal Hospital offers a variety of comprehensive care services for your beloved furry friend, including:
- Comprehensive physical exams
- Blood tests and urinalysis
- Individualized nutrition and healthcare plans
- In-clinic dental exams and dental care consulting
- Screenings for parasites, fleas, ticks, worms
- Nutrition and weight management consultations
- General pet health consultations
Our Senior Care
As pets enter their senior years, there is no substitute for thorough physical exams, early disease detection, and preventative pet care. For most dogs and cats, we consider any pet older than eight years old to be a senior pet. At West Ballantyne Animal Hospital, we recommend preventative care exams every six months for senior pets. Common geriatric pet illnesses include joint disease and mobility issues, glandular diseases, and diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, and cancer.
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We offer a range of pet vet services designed specifically for the needs of senior dogs and cats, which include a complete physical exam, urinalysis, complete blood counts, blood chemistries, and parasite evaluation. We can also suggest specially formulated food for your pet, whose new nutritional needs will benefit from an adjusted diet.
In addition to frequent exams, keeping your older pet active may help to slow the deterioration of senses associated with the aging process. We can recommend exercise and mental stimulation games for you to use with your senior pet.
Because dogs and cats age more quickly than people, dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as three to six months. The following symptoms could indicate a problem that should be addressed with your veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Significant decrease or increase in appetite or failure to eat for more than two days
- Increased drinking and urination
- Noticeable decrease in vision
- Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping
- Excessive panting
- Hair loss
- Seizures or convulsions
Call us to schedule your senior pet’s preventive exam with our veterinarians!