Office Hours
7:00am-6:00pm M-F
7:00am-3:00pm Sat
Appointment Hours
9:00am-5:30pm M-F
9:00am-2:30pm Sat
Closed Sundays
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How will I know when my pet is in it’s Golden Years?
Many factors contribute to aging. Species and breed differences, as well as individual factors make it difficult to exactly determine a ‘senior citizen’. Large breed dogs typically age faster than small breeds. Use this link to help determine your pets ‘human age’
Pet Age Calculator |
Older pets have complex health issues and require more attention than puppy and adult pets require. Dogs are very adept at hiding health issues and cannot tell us when they begin to feel ill. Cats are even better at hiding symptoms. For these reasons, our veterinarians recommend that older pets receive a full examination twice a year along with diagnostic blood work at least once a year. When medical conditions are detected early they can improve a pet’s quality of life and treatment can be less costly to you.
During a geriatric check-up your pet’s veterinarian to examines their eyes, ears, teeth, internal organs and evaluates body condition. Upon consultation with you, additional diagnostic work may be done, including urinalysis, fecal exam EKG, Blood Pressure, or other corresponding examinations.
The veterinarians at Edmonds Veterinary Hospital recommend that older pets (typically age 7 and older) have a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Chemistry Profile, and Thyroid level (T4) performed annually. |
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| Signs of Aging: |
Cats | Dogs |
Sleeping more
Changes in Vocalization
Changes in appetite or water drinking (either more or less)
Weight loss or gain
Loss of muscle mass
Increased urination
Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
Grooming less often
Behavior changes
Reluctance to jump
Bad Breath |
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Sleeping more
Weight loss or gain
Changes in appetite or water drinking (either more or less)
Loss of muscle mass
Bad Breath
Increased urination
Difficulty rising after sleeping
Changes in activity level
Urinary or Defecating accidents
Changes in vocalization
Decreased stamina during walks |
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| Signs of Illness in your Pet
Signs of aging can also be signs of illness. Some of these changes are a part of the normal aging process, but they can also be signs of illness beginning. In addition to the signs of aging, evidences of illness can also include vomiting or diarrhea, changes in water or food consumption, changes in urinary output, marked or rapid changes in weight, bad breath, sores, lumps or bumps. Early determination of the presence of illness can significantly increase your pet’s quality of life. Be sure to note all changes you are seeing in your pet at the time of his examination. This can help his veterinarian determine whether signs are part of the normal process, an early sign of disease or both.
For your convenience we have provided a Senior Health Assessment for you to complete prior to your pets exam appointment.
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| Senior Pets have special Dietary Needs
As pets age and sleep more, they often require less calorie intake. Pets with kidney problems or diabetes require a specialized diet. There are many diets on the market that are specially formulated for aging pets. Overweight older or arthritic pets feel better without all those extra pounds. Our veterinarians will recommend a diet that best suits your pet’s needs as they move through their golden years. |
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