The impact the aging process has on our pets varies on a number of different factors. It is commonly thought that one year of a pet’s life is equal to seven years of our lives. However, this is not quite accurate. Pets reach maturity between the first one to two years of life. From there on, health, exercise and diet are the other main factors that affect the aging process. The aging process also differs depending on the size of the animal, with smaller dogs tending to live a few years longer than larger dogs.

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Older pets, even those that are active and healthy, are more susceptible to chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, failing vision and hearing, and a general weakening of the body. We suggest that you take additional steps to protecting your pet’s health as he or she reaches the age of seven. Please speak with our veterinarians about building a new preventative care schedule so that we can be sure that we are doing all that we can do to make your pet’s geriatric years happy, healthy and enjoyable for the both of you.

 

There are many ways that we can improve your pet’s quality of life, provided that we have a current and complete knowledge of his or her body condition. More frequent check-ups and simple blood and urine tests will help us keep ahead of common problems and conditions associated with the aging process.

 

If your pet is seven years or older, please call us to schedule a senior wellness checkup.