Senior Pet Care
Compassionate Veterinary
Care for Aging Pets
Older pets require targeted care to keep them comfortable and healthy in their golden years. At Just For Pets Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive senior pet care for cats and dogs that detects and manages age-related health conditions. With biannual wellness exams and personalized treatment plans, our team makes sure that your senior pet continues to live a happy, healthy life.
What You Should Know: Caring for a Senior Pet
Aging is a natural part of life, and pets experience physical and behavioral changes as they grow older. With focused medical care and healthy living, your older companion can still spend their golden years in comfort.
What are common signs of aging in pets?
Senior pets may develop gray fur, reduced energy levels, joint stiffness, changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, or increased sleep patterns. By monitoring these changes and alerting your veterinarian, you can catch potential health issues as they develop.
How can I help my senior pet maintain a healthy weight?
Maintaining a balanced diet and regular, low-impact exercise contributes to preventing obesity, which can lead to joint pain, diabetes, and other health problems. Talk to our veterinary team about choosing the right diet and exercise plan for your aging pet.
What common health issues do senior pets face?
Some of the most common conditions in older pets include arthritis, diabetes, dental disease, and kidney disease. Scheduling routine wellness exams and teeth cleanings manage these conditions effectively.
How do I know when my senior cat or senior dog is in pain?
Pets often hide their discomfort, but signs of pain can include limping, reluctance to move, difficulty getting up, excessive panting, and changes in behavior or appetite. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a sick pet visit for pain management options.
Senior pets are more susceptible to developing health issues.
They require more frequent veterinary visits to catch potential health concerns as they develop. Instead of visiting the vet only once a year, we suggest biannual wellness exams for furry senior companions. By coming in more frequently, we can detect and address any changes in your fur baby as soon as possible.
Annual diagnostic lab work should be run for senior pets in order to screen for underlying conditions such as kidney disease, liver issues, diabetes, and thyroid imbalances—many of which show little to no symptoms in the early stages. Early detection helps us create a personalized care plan to keep your senior pet comfortable and healthy for as long as possible.
Wondering how to support your senior pet at home?
Supporting your senior pet at home is just as important as routine veterinary visits. You can take steps to make your aging companion more comfortable by:
- Maintaining a Healthy Diet: Senior pets often require adjusted diets to support metabolism, joint health, and digestive function.
- Encouraging Gentle Exercise: Regular movement can maintain mobility and prevent obesity.
- Regular Grooming and Hygiene: Keep nails trimmed and fur clean, especially if your pet has difficulty grooming themselves.
- Adjusting for Accessibility: Consider ramps for furniture, non-slip rugs, and raised food bowls to accommodate mobility challenges.
- Monitor Behavior Changes: Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or interactions may signal health concerns—discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
Aging pets thrive with consistent care and attention, and our compassionate veterinary team can offer guidance on how to keep your pet comfortable at home.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital for Senior Pet Care in Marietta, GA
Providing proactive veterinary care can help your senior pet enjoy a happy, pain-free life. Call Just For Pets Animal Hospital today to schedule a senior wellness exam! Let’s work together to make sure your pet enjoys their golden years with comfort and good health. If you are concerned that your beloved older pet may be ill or simply would like a same-day exam, you can call us to ask about walk-ins or same-day availability.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital provides senior pet care for cats and dogs in Marietta, East Cobb, Roswell, Westfield, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Powers Park, and the northern Atlanta area.
