Senior Care for Pets

As your pet enters their golden years, it becomes increasingly important to keep a close eye on their health and body conditions. At Deer Park Pet Hospital, we provide senior care wellness exams to give us the opportunity to identify potential problems early so we can treat and maintain your pet's health properly. If you want to book an appointment, call us at 403-342-5200.

What problems are more common in senior pets?

As pets age their body becomes weaker, making increasingly more vulnerable to certain problems like:

• Heart disease
• Liver/kidney failure
• Thyroid disorders
• Periodontal disease
• Dementia
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

When is my pet considered a senior?

Some pets age faster as a result of their breed and size. Cats typically enter senior status between 8 to 10-years-old whereas dogs can vary. Larger dog breeds will age faster than smaller ones but generally, a good rule of thumb is between 6 to 10 years of age. During your pet's checkup, your veterinarian will properly assess them and inform you about their condition.

How can I help my aging pet?

The single most important thing you can do is bring your pet in for routine checkups. This can help determine potential medical issues and create an appropriate treatment plan before the problem advances. For senior pets, we recommend having them checked out biannually. We can also assist you with decisions going forward to ensure your pet is living a healthy life such as changes in diet and exercise, or making environmental changes to make it more comfortable for your pet to move around.