Old Friend Health Care
The staff at Passion Fur Paws have soft spots in their hearts for our geriatric fur friends. We are very passionate about managing pain, dental care, mentation and quality of life in your older pets. To do this in our greatest capacity, we recommend biannual visits for comprehensive exams along with blood work to screen for any potential health issues as early as possible.
Our Senior Pet Health Care Services Include:
- Full-body examination, heart and lung tests, blood work, urinalysis and fecal samples
- Hearing and eye testing
- Routine vaccination to prevent feline respiratory disease (Cat Flu) and Enteritis
- Parasite control, flea control, regular worming for gastrointestinal worms and heartworm preventive medication
- Dental care and prescription dental diet to maintain oral health and prevent tooth loss, tartar and periodontal disease
- Nutrition guidance for a balanced diet, in order to prevent obesity and to avoid the harmful effects of excessive sodium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
- Playtime tips to help your pets exercise, in order to enhance circulation and maintain muscle tone
- Examination of your pet's mentation to monitor or signs of dementia or other abnormal cognitive function
What Changes in Behavior and Habits Should Alarm Me?
As your four-footed companions get older, it is expected for them to slow down and to experience hearing loss and vision loss to a certain level, but there are other changes that you should be aware of.
For instance, extremely lethargic behavior, excessive thirst and/or urination, increased or decreased appetite, lumps or bumps, significant changes in body weight, regular constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, heart murmur and breathing difficulties, among others.
If your pets are experiencing this type of change, book an appointment with us so we can discuss and manage the condition of your fur baby.
How to Make Old Pets With Arthritis Feel More Comfortable
Most pets tend to develop a certain degree of arthritic change as they grow old, which is particularly common in large breeds and in heavy pets. When this happens, the best thing that you can do is cover their musculo-skeletal needs, which include: providing warm and soft bedding, blankets, a diet to keep their weight stable, and a daily exercise routine.
Should I Worry About Lumps and Bumps?
With advancing age, it is expected for pets to develop lumps. However, you should always have your vet check them to determine if they are benign or need further work up. There is no reason for you to worry unless you notice rapid growth, changes in shape or that your pet is constantly chewing or scratching a lump.
