Geriatric Care for Pets
Our Johns Creek veterinarians provide comprehensive veterinary geriatric care for senior cats and dogs to help them enjoy comfortable good health well into old age.
Geriatric Care for Senior Dogs & Cats
Senior pets need routine preventive veterinary care and early diagnosis in order to maintain optimal health in their golden years. Ongoing regular care can help extend your pet's life and good health as they age, so it's important that your pet attend regularly scheduled twice-yearly wellness exams, even if they seem healthy.
Our team at Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic is experienced in the care of older pets. We can identify emerging health issues and offer proactive treatment early, while we can still effectively and easily manage any problems.
Is my pet considered 'old'?
Although your pet may seem young and spry, you might be surprised to learn that they are already a senior. Cats and small to medium-sized dogs are typically considered seniors at about 7 years of age.
Larger dogs and giant breeds typically have shorter life spans, so are considered to be seniors when they reach 6 years old.
Common Health Problems In Senior Pets
Improved dietary options and better veterinary care than in the past mean that our companion cats and dogs are living far longer today than they have.
While this is should be celebrated, pet owners and veterinarians now face more age-related conditions than they did in the past as well.
Senior pets are generally prone to the following conditions:
- Urinary tract disease
- Joint or bone disorders
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Blindness and hearing loss
- Diabetes
- Generalized weakness
- Senility
Veterinary Care for Geriatric Pets
When you bring your senior pet in to see our Johns Creek vets, we will perform a thorough examination of your pet, ask about their home life in detail and perform any tests that may be required to gain further insight into their general physical health and overall condition.
Based on the examination and test findings, we'll recommend a treatment plan that may include medications, activities, and dietary changes to help improve your senior pet's health, well-being, and comfort.
Routine Wellness Exams
Preventive care is essential to helping your senior pet live a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life. It also gives our veterinarians the opportunity to spot any signs of disease early.
Early detection of disease can help preserve your pet's physical health, and catch emerging issues before they develop into long-term problems.
With routine biannual physical examinations, your pet will have the best chance at quality long-term health.