Senior Pet Care
We offer senior pet wellness plans to ensure your furry friend receives the necessary care at every stage of their life.
Compassionate Senior Care for Your Aging Pet at Northlake Animal Hospital
MAKING THE AGING PROCESS HEALTHY AND COMFORTABLE
At Northlake Animal Hospital, our goal is to give your pet a long, healthy, and happy life with you. This starts early with our wellness plans for pets designed to treat your pet from infancy to adulthood. We also have senior pet care for when your pet reaches old age.
Our team will guide you through arthritis treatment and other age-related diseases in your dog or cat. At Northlake Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to the highest quality of senior pet care.
How Should I Care for An Aging Pet?
The older your pet, the more frequent examinations, check-ups, and diagnostic tests should become. This is necessary to ensure they maintain optimal health throughout their twilight years.
SEMI-ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS
Pets seven years old and above should be brought for semi-annual exams instead of the traditional annual visit. Because pets age much quicker than humans, regular check-ups are necessary to stay on top of common health issues.
Your veterinarian will examine your pet for signs of:
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Dental disease
ANNUAL BLOOD WORK
Blood work is essential for keeping track of common age-related diseases that pets tend to develop. Every pet can benefit from regular annual blood exams, but it’s essential for pets over the age of seven.
Early detection is critical in preserving your pet’s health and potentially saving their life from dangerous conditions. Many diseases and ailments are best avoided, and prevention can save you a lot of heartaches, not to mention money.
Common diseases we can diagnose through blood work include:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Adrenal dysfunction (Cushing’s and Addison’s disease)
Blood work is so important that we have created a package for aging pets that includes extended chemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis, and thyroid test – at a fraction of what the tests cost on an individual basis.
How Can I Relieve Arthritic Pain in Older Cats and Dogs?
Although advancements in veterinary medicine have enabled pets to live longer than ever, age makes them susceptible to disease and ailments. One of the most common age-related diseases in older dogs and one of the most underdiagnosed in cats is arthritis. This disease can exhibit itself in pets of all sizes but is most commonly associated with larger dogs and hip dysplasia. We routinely check for signs of arthritis, but you should visit the vet immediately if you witness any symptoms in your pet.
SIGNS OF ARTHRITIS IN DOGS MY PET
- Decreased appetite
- Limping
- Sleeping more
- Interacting less with family members
- Shaky legs
- Difficulty rising or lying down
- Difficulty jumping
- Difficulty going up and down stairs
- General unwillingness to do normal activities
Cats can be difficult to diagnose because they often hide signs of pain and weakness. Cat owners should keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased use of the litter box
- Not jumping up on counters or couches (when they used to do that)
- Not interacting with their family
- Decreased grooming
- Aversion to touch, such as biting.
The only way to establish the source of pain for your pet and determine the presence of arthritis is through comprehensive physical and orthopedic exams. At Northlake Animal Hospital, we take pain management and arthritis treatment seriously. We aim to minimize their pain and discomfort and improve their quality of life. Once we determine the presence of arthritis, we use a combination of proven traditional treatments and advanced alternatives to achieve the best results. Common treatments for arthritis can be divided into non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies.
Treatments for Pet Arthritis
NON-PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT
- Fish oil supplements (Omega 3 fatty acid)
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin (We proudly carry Dasuquin Advanced)
- Environmental modifications (ramps, grip socks/boots, non-slip rugs or mats)
- Laser therapy
- Acupuncture
- Weight management
- Special dietary management
- Physical rehabilitation
- Daily exercise (gentle activity helps keep joints healthy, prevents the muscle wasting associated with arthritis, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight)
PHARMACEUTICAL PAIN MANAGEMENT
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (traditional NSAIDs like Rimadyl and new targeted therapy like Galliprant)
- Adjunctive analgesics (tramadol, gabapentin, amantadine)
- Adequan injections (a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan that helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and reduces joint damage)
If you fear your pet suffers from arthritis, please schedule an appointment with the best pain management veterinarians in Lake Park and North Palm Beach, FL. We will meet with you, discuss your pet’s situation specifics, and walk you through every treatment option. Call us at (561) 848-4391 or schedule an appointment on our website. We also offer emergency/urgent care if your pet needs immediate care.
Hospice Care and Euthanasia
Unfortunately, pet parents may eventually have to make the most difficult decision – when is it time to let our furry friends move on? We prioritize your pet’s quality of life and comfort above anything else. Our services are designed to make this difficult time as uncomplicated as possible through our hospice and at-home euthanasia options.
Does Your Pet Need Senior Care Near Lake Park or North Palm Beach?
Come to Northlake Animal Hospital for veterinarians as dedicated to keeping your pet healthy and comfortable as you are. If your furry friend requires senior pet care, contact us today to schedule an appointment!