Your pet enters his or her senior years around 7 years old. While it may not seem that long ago that your faithful companion was a frisky kitten or playful puppy, your senior pet requires a different health and wellness plan than was necessary in his or her younger days. Dr. Katz and the entire staff at Bronx Veterinary Center understand the medical needs of senior pets and have developed a comprehensive senior pet wellness program.
Preventive health care is critical for senior pets. Like humans, older pets are at an increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, endocrine disease, cancer, and other age-related diseases. Because not all pets exhibit visible symptoms, these diseases can often go undetected. Early detection of these diseases results in faster treatment and better overall health for your pet.
During an exam, we listen to your pet’s heart and lungs to detect signs of heart murmurs, abnormal heartbeat patterns, infection, tumors, and other diseases. Your pet’s vision and hearing are also evaluated. We check for any unusual lumps, swelling, skin condition and signs of arthritis and decreased muscle tone in joints and muscles.
Most of all, we encourage you to take an active role in the care of your senior pet. A decline in energy, a decrease in vision and hearing, weight gain, dental disease and skin conditions are all signs of old age. As these signs begin to appear, inform your veterinarian and keep track of any changes in your pet’s behavior or overall health.
Time to schedule a checkup for your golden oldie? Give us a call at 718-933-1002 today!
