Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic, P.C.
Wellness Care
Senior Health
What age is considered senior? Cats and dogs age more rapidly than humans. The rate of this ageing depends on many factors including size and breed. A generalized chart can be found below. The areas highlighted in green indicate a senior aged pet.
|
Calendar Years |
Canine Under 20lbs |
Canine 20-50lbs |
Canine 50-90lbs |
Canine Over 90lbs |
Feline |
|
1 |
15 |
15 |
14 |
12 |
15 |
|
2 |
23 |
24 |
22 |
20 |
24 |
|
3 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
|
4 |
32 |
34 |
34 |
35 |
32 |
|
5 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
36 |
|
6 |
40 |
42 |
45 |
49 |
40 |
|
7 |
44 |
47 |
50 |
56 |
44 |
|
8 |
48 |
51 |
55 |
64 |
48 |
|
9 |
52 |
56 |
61 |
71 |
52 |
|
10 |
56 |
60 |
66 |
78 |
56 |
|
11 |
60 |
65 |
72 |
86 |
60 |
|
12 |
64 |
69 |
77 |
93 |
64 |
|
13 |
68 |
74 |
82 |
101 |
68 |
|
14 |
72 |
78 |
88 |
108 |
72 |
|
15 |
76 |
83 |
93 |
115 |
76 |
|
16 |
80 |
87 |
99 |
123 |
80 |
|
17 |
84 |
92 |
104 |
|
84 |
|
18 |
88 |
96 |
109 |
|
88 |
|
19 |
92 |
101 |
115 |
|
92 |
|
20 |
96 |
105 |
120 |
|
96 |
What special needs do senior pets have? As pets age, it is necessary to watch for signs of declining health. Some physical and behavioral changes could be outward signs of an internal problem or condition. Many times, however, these outward signs do not appear for some time after an issue has begun. To catch this gradual onset of disease, it is important to your pet’s health to have yearly senior wellness panels and twice yearly physical wellness exams starting at age 7 to ensure early detection of health problems. Senior pets also need a diet formulated for their age. Quality brands will have a diet designed for seniors that often have more protein, fewer calories, and a lower fat content along with the vitamins and supplements they need. This in addition to regular dental care, vaccinations, parasitic control, and a good exercise regiment can add time and quality to your pet’s life.
What does a senior wellness panel test? A senior wellness panel is a blood and urine test that evaluates a complete blood count, tests the liver, kidney, pancreas, and thyroid functions, as well as the muscles, bones, and complete urinary system. A sample will be sent to an outside lab to perform these tests and results are generally returned in 1-2 business days. If these results return within normal limits, a baseline is formed for the doctor to evaluate future results. If results are abnormal, a medical care plan will be formulated for your pet.
What physical/behavioral signs should I look for? Complete the following checklist to help observe any changes and potential problems with your pet’s health. If one or more of the following are observed, call our office to schedule an exam.
|
Senior Wellness Checklist |
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|
Signs |
Yes |
No |
|
Change in water consumption |
|
|
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Change in appetite |
|
|
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Lethargic or depressed |
|
|
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Change in urine production |
|
|
|
Loss of bladder control/having “accidents” |
|
|
|
Constipation |
|
|
|
Loss of bowel control |
|
|
|
Change in attitude (irritability) |
|
|
|
Change in sleeping patterns |
|
|
|
Change of interest with toys, people, or other animals |
|
|
|
Noticeable decrease in vision |
|
|
|
Noticeable decrease in hearing |
|
|
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Vomiting |
|
|
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Diarrhea |
|
|
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Blood in urine/stool |
|
|
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Weight gain/loss |
|
|
|
Bad breath/drooling |
|
|
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Lumps on skin |
|
|
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Excessive panting |
|
|
|
Heavy/rapid breathing at rest |
|
|
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Lapse in grooming habits |
|
|
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Increased stiffness, trouble jumping, walking, or getting up |
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