Sat: 9p – 3p
Sun: CLOSED
Wed: 8a – 4p (Urgent Care)
Sat: 9p – 3p
Sun: CLOSED
Wed: 8a – 4p (Urgent Care)
Senior Pet Care
Senior Pet Care
The team at Juanita Bay Veterinary Hospital understands how important senior pets are to a family. That’s why we strive to keep them healthy in their old age. Unlike humans, the age of your cat or dog isn’t determined simply by a number. There are multiple factors at play, including species, breed, medical history, and lifestyle. However, most pets are considered seniors when they reach eight years of age.
Although your senior pet may seem perfectly healthy, it’s important to keep in mind that not all illnesses present symptoms right away. Oftentimes, the signs aren’t present until your pet is seriously sick. Cats especially have an uncanny ability to hide symptoms when they do not feel well. Sometimes, owners think that indoor cats are healthier than those who go outside. The truth is that indoor cats are no less likely to suffer from dental disease, obesity, diabetes, or kidney disease. In order to prevent these issues from ever occurring, Juanita Bay Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to making preventive care a top priority. By taking a proactive approach to your senior pet’s health, we can detect issues and take protective measures before your pet ever becomes ill.

Symptoms
If you have a senior pet, it’s important to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Difficulty with mobility
- Weight loss or gain
- Excessive drinking
- Excessive urination
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Excessive scratching
Ensuring Long Lives for Senior Pets
We recommend bringing your senior pet in at least twice a year. Pets age at a much faster rate than humans. Every year of their life is equal to about seven of ours. Therefore, twice yearly exams for your senior pet is similar to you going to the doctor once every three years.
In addition, pets can’t communicate when they don’t feel well. When we are able to check your pet’s health regularly, we can detect health issues early on. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association promotes consistent wellness exams as the best way to increase the longevity of your pet’s life. As pets gets older, their bodies and health can change unexpectedly. The more we can monitor and assess your senior pet’s health, the more likely they are to overcome health issues in the future.