Our Montecito Veterinary Center vets provide comprehensive geriatric care for your senior cat or dog ensuring that your aging pet receives the proactive treatment they need.
Geriatric Care for Senior Dogs & Cats in Santa Rosa
We want your senior pet to feel as healthy and content as possible through their golden years. That's why we're passionate about working with you to ensure your cat or dog gets the diligent geriatric care they need to extend their life and good health as they age.
It's important that we see them for regularly scheduled routine exams, even if they seem healthy.
Our experienced veterinary team is here to help. We can identify emerging health issues and offer proactive treatment early, while any problems can still be managed easily and effectively.
Is my pet considered 'old'?
While your pet may seem young, spirited, and energetic, you may be surprised to learn that they've already reached their senior years. In fact, cats and small to medium-sized dogs are typically considered seniors around the age of 7.
Larger breed dogs typically have shorter lifespans, and so are considered to be seniors when they reach 6 years of age.
Typical Health Problems
Due to better veterinary care, improved dietary options, and more knowledge about special considerations for senior pets, companion cats and dogs are living much longer today than they have in the past.
While this is definitely something to be recognized and celebrated, veterinarians and pet owners now face more age-related conditions than they did in the past.
Senior pets are generally prone to these conditions:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract disease
- Joint or bone disorders
- Blindness and hearing loss
- Diabetes
- Senility
- Weakness
Veterinary Care for Seniors
Your senior pet will receive a thorough examination, and the vet will ask about their home life in detail before performing any tests that may be required. These test results can provide valuable additional insight into your pet's general physical condition and health.
Based on the findings, a treatment plan will be developed and may include activities, medications, and dietary changes that may help improve your senior pet's health, well-being, and comfort.
Routine Wellness Exams
To help your senior pet live a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life, it's essential that they receive consistent and proactive preventive care. This also gives our vets the opportunity to detect diseases early.
Early detection of disease will help preserve your pet's physical health and catch emerging health issues before they develop into more serious long-term problems.
With regular physical examinations, your pet will have the best chance at quality long-term health.