Senior Care

Humans aren’t the only ones who grey as they age. You’ll start to notice a few grey hairs in your pet’s coat, which could signify they’re approaching their senior years. Changes with your pet also mean it’s time to rethink the type of care you provide for them. We’ll help you reimagine ways to care for them, including more yearly visits with us.

Is my pet sick or just getting old?

Some pets are more susceptible to illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart disease as they get older. These signs of illness could overlap with the signs of aging. The best way to tell what’s ailing your pet is for our veterinary team to do diagnostic tests and a physical exam. Signs your pet is aging include:

• Sleeping more
• Playing less
• Eating/drinking more or less
• Greying of the fur/coat
• Forgetting more, like cues or commands
• Increased urination

How do I care for my aging pet?

One of the significant changes in your pet’s care is how often we need to see them. Instead of annual visits, we’ll get the pleasure of seeing your pet twice a year. Your pet could start walking slower or not be able to climb stairs like they used to, but that just means decreasing your pace or adding mobility aids around your home. The most important thing is to practice patience during this transitional time when your pet could be acting differently than you’re used to. If you have questions about caring for your aging pet, please contact us at 403-217-0460.

What activities should I do with my senior pet?

It’s important to keep your pet moving throughout their golden years so they can maintain their muscle mass and mobility. Activities you can do to help them maintain an active lifestyle include swimming, leisurely walks and playing low-intensity games like fetch or using toys.