Senior Care for Pets

Cats and dogs age differently depending on their species and breed. Nonetheless, these are your pet’s “golden years”! Just like humans with age comes change. Some good, some bad. Our pets begin to have an increased risk of organ disease, diabetes, heart disease, endocrine diseases and cancer. They also face increased chances of joint pain, dental disease, obesity and hearing and vision loss. It’s important to keep up with regular examinations and health screens that can detect early signs of illness, improving prognosis and gaining them many more healthy years! To schedule your next appointment and to ask any further questions about your pet’s health, please call us at 613-622-1700.

How should I care for my senior pet?

Your healthcare team at Gillies Grove recommends screening every 6 to 12 months to keep your pet feeling their best! This will allow us to adapt their care plan accordingly and diagnose any health changes in the quickest way possible. Our team will make suggestions on your pet’s nutrition, activity levels, medications, treatments and even supplements. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight, and ensuring that they get low-impact exercise will also keep them in good shape. Put together, these factors can help keep your senior pet around for as long as possible.

Can senior dogs or cats go senile?

Sadly, yes. Often, owners will begin to notice that their pet seems to be disoriented and even forgetful. Fortunately, with specially formulated food, supplements and medications, we can help alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition.

At what age is my dog or cat considered to be senior?

Our feline friends usually reach senior age at 11-years-old. Dogs, on the other hand, are considered to be senior once they reach 7 to 11-years-old. Factors such as your pet’s specific breed and their size determine how quickly they will enter their golden years.