Why Senior Pets Need More Frequent Veterinary Visits

Time has a way of creeping up on us, and before we know it, our beloved pets have reached their golden years.

While your pet may still be spry and frisky on the outside, they may be experiencing some age-related changes inside.

These potential changes, which may already be happening or may possibly occur in the future, need to be detected early for not only your pet’s benefit but also yours.

Let’s discuss why and when changes in your pet’s veterinary care are essential once they become a senior.

Why Frequent Senior Care Veterinary Visits Are Essential

As I explain why frequent visits are important to senior pets, I'm not doing so just as a veterinarian but as a pet owner and as an individual who has witnessed the heartache of when pets, as well as people, fail to be proactive about healthcare.

Your first thought when your veterinarian recommends having your senior pet come in every 6 months is that they want to reap the benefit of more income. But the truth is, it's you and your pet who truly benefit. Let me explain.

Age Acceleration

Sadly, pets have a shorter lifespan compared to people because they age more rapidly due to their higher metabolic rate.

While you may view it as only a year having passed since their last veterinary visit, the reality is that your senior pet has aged a lot during that time.

For example, if 1 dog year equals 7 human years (which isn't exactly accurate, but close enough for this example), then waiting a year between doctor's visits is 7 years! Even if the visits are every 6 months, that is still 3 to 4 "dog years"! A lot can happen in 3 years.

We all know things can change over time and, in some cases, in an instant. If your pet is aging to what is equivalent to several years in a short period of time, think of all the changes their body may be experiencing if you wait 1 year rather than 6 months between appointments.

Even though your senior seems healthy, it is quite common for them to be suffering from abnormalities both externally and internally, as well as on lab tests.

Studies show that compared to those pets with less frequent visits, those with regular visits were 30% LESS likely to suffer from chronic disease.

Your senior has a better chance of continuing a good quality of life when they are seen twice a year instead of annually.

See below for when your pet is considered a "senior."

Early Detection

Senior pets are more prone to developing chronic illnesses. One study showed that of the 41 senior dogs and 59 geriatric dogs, 22 had heart murmurs, 21 had severe calculus (dental bacteria leading to disease), one or more masses were found in 56 dogs, 32 dogs had one or more blood chemistry abnormalities and 32% of them have some level of proteinuria (protein in the urine), which can indicate kidney disease, inflammation, infections or high blood pressure.

When physical examinations, routine blood work, and other screening tests are performed regularly, medical conditions can be diagnosed in their early stages. When diseases are diagnosed early, there are more treatment options available, outcomes are better, and pets have a better quality of life.

Cost Effectiveness

When the diagnosis and treatment of a disease is delayed, and it develops into a more serious issue, more extensive testing and treatments are required. This results in more of a financial burden to you.

However, with preventive care, routine veterinary visits, and proper screening, certain conditions can be prevented (i.e., dental disease, obesity) or detected in their early stages (i.e., cancer, kidney disease) when they are easiest and most economically treated. This could save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.

For example, preventing dental disease with regular professional cleanings costs about $300 to $700 dollars, whereas treating it can range from $500 to thousands. Then, the potential added cost of having to treat the systemic effects of dental disease, such as kidney or liver disease.

As the saying goes, a penny now or a pound later!

Quality of Life Impact

Pets are a significant part of our lives, and we all want them to live happy, healthy, and LONG lives.

Being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to monitoring your pet's health and making the necessary care adjustments that are needed can significantly improve your senior pet’s comfort and happiness as well as yours.

Imagine possibly avoiding painful (dental extractions) and extensive treatments (antibiotics, pain medications, etc.) just by having certain medical issues diagnosed early.

What to Expect at a Senior Pet Vet Visit

Your senior pet’s veterinary visit will be similar to their other veterinary visits in many ways, such as getting an exam and laboratory tests. However, their exam will be more comprehensive in order to find common age-related changes. Depending on your pet's health and the diseases they may be predisposed to, based on their breed or lifestyle, the list of recommended laboratory tests may be longer.

In addition to a routine complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, and a urinalysis, your veterinarian may recommend special tests to check their thyroid, liver, kidneys, and heart.

Other tests that may be recommended include:

• Blood pressure test
• Eye pressure test to assess for glaucoma
• Schirmer tear test to check for dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca-KCS)
• Chest, abdominal, and joint X-rays
• Electrocardiogram
  
  

Since your pet is entering a new life stage, your veterinarian will discuss changes in diet and exercise as well as essential additions like supplements and preventative care.

Your veterinarian will recommend a change in your pet’s regular check-up schedule based on their age and health status. For seniors with no underlying medical issues, it is recommended that they be seen every 6 months.

If your senior has medical issues, your veterinarian will need to see them more frequently. This can be monthly as medications are adjusted or every 3–4 months for evaluation and bloodwork.

What Happens After Your Senior Pet’s Veterinary Visit

You will likely feel overwhelmed after your pet’s first senior visit. And that is ok!

Once you've sorted through all the information your veterinarian has provided, if you have any questions about your pet's lab results, their new care instructions, i.e., medication timing, diet restrictions, etc., you can contact them to have them go through it with you again. A change in your routine may be needed, but you'll get through it.

The more clearly you understand and educate yourself about this stage of your pet’s life, the happier and more comfortable your pet will be.

When Are Pets Considered to be a Senior?

Knowing when your pet is considered a senior helps you plan ahead for when you need to make adjustments for their care.

Unlike people, pets don’t just ‘count’ as a senior at a set age. Pets age at different rates and, therefore, are considered ‘seniors’ at different times.

The Age Cats Are Considered Seniors

Even though cats age at different rates, the general guideline that most veterinarians tend to view cats becoming a ‘senior’ is around 7 to 10 years old. But it is important to keep in mind that this 'senior stage' can come sooner or later depending on a cat’s breed or genetic predisposition.

The Age Dogs Are Considered Seniors

The general rule for dogs is about 7 years of age. However, there is more variation among dogs due to their different breed sizes. For example, a Yorkie is considered a senior far later than a Mastiff.

Based on breed size, here is when a dog is considered a ‘senior’:

• Small breeds: 10 to 12 years of age
• Medium breed: 8 to 12 years of age
• Large breed: 6 to 8 years of age
• Giant breed: 6 to 7 years of age
  
  

These are just guidelines. Since each pet is unique, if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms of aging, you should consult with your veterinarian about a senior care plan for your pet, even if they aren’t technically a senior.

• Changes in energy levels
• Increased time spent sleeping or changes in sleep habits
• Changes in mobility
• Changes in coat
• Changes in skin
• Behavior changes
• Changes in urination or defecation
• Confusion or disorientation

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, identifying and addressing senior conditions early, when they are most treatable, means a better and longer life for your pet.

How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Senior Veterinary Visit

While it may seem strange to prepare for a veterinary visit for your pet, it will be beneficial to everyone if you do so.

Tips on How to Prepare for Your Visit

1. Observe your pet a month or so prior to their visit. Take note of any changes, even if they seem minor. Make videos, take pictures, and compile a list of questions for your veterinarian.
   
   
2. Ideally, send the videos, pictures, and list to your veterinarian prior to the visit. This allows them extra time to formulate a plan of care and have recommendations organized for you prior to the visit.
   
   
3. Contact the clinic prior to see if they will need a urine and stool sample and to determine if your pet will need to be fasted for the visit. How to collect your cat's or your dog's urine sample.
   
   
4. If you suspect or know your pet gets anxious going to the vet, here are some suggestions to help you work out a game plan prior to the visit:

• Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your pet may need medication to help calm them.

• For dogs, I recommend reading “Does your Dog Hate the Vet? Here’s Why and What to Do” and “Preventing and Treating Travel Anxiety in Dogs”

• For cats, I recommend reading “Lowering Your Cat’s Stress at The Vet” and “Cat Carriers – How to Make Them Stress-Free

• When you make your pet’s appointment, try to schedule it for their first appointment of the day so there is less of a wait time and fewer pets and people are in the waiting area.

• Give yourself and your pet plenty of time to get ready and go so that there isn’t any stress about rushing to be on time. Your pets can sense if you are anxious or stressed, which increases their own stress and anxiety.

• Consider exercising your pet prior to going to the vet. A tired pet is a calmer pet. Mental games can work just as well as physical activities. Read more about interactive games for dogs and prey sequence playing with cats.

• Bring a comforting blanket or toy. You can spray it with calming pheromones for dogs or pheromones for cats to increase the calming effect.

• Use calming treats before (if not fasting) and after the visit. We recommend these soft, calming chews for dogs or calming chews for cats.

• Be sure to cool or warm your car prior to your pet getting into it. You want them to be comfortable and calm in while traveling.
  
  
• Play calming music in the car while driving to and from the vet.
  
  

• Give them plenty of attention and reassurance throughout the entire process.

• Consult with your veterinarian about recommendations on how to help make the visit less stressful.

   

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a senior pet see their veterinarian?

Senior pets should see their veterinarian every 6 months. However, if they have medical issues, every 3 to 4 months is generally recommended.

Keep in mind, if your senior has medical issues that require medications, your veterinarian may need to see them every 2 to 4 weeks to be sure they are responding to medication properly, repeat bloodwork, and to monitor for any adverse reactions.

How often should senior pets have blood work done?

Since pets age faster than humans, medical issues are common among senior pets, and their health can deteriorate more rapidly, blood work is recommended every 6 months. But, in some cases, blood work may be required more frequently (every 1 to 4 months) for seniors with health issues and those having medication adjustments.

What are the signs of aging in senior pets?

Some common signs of aging for senior pets include:

• Weight gain or loss
• Bad breath
• Changes in sleep habits
• Behavioral changes
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in coat, skin, or nails
• Changes in activity or mobility
• Stiffness
• Anxiety
  
  

What are common health issues for senior pets?

Common health issues for senior pets include:

• Obesity
• Dental disease
• Arthritis
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Cancers
• Cognitive decline
  
  

What are some preventive care steps for senior pets?

There are several things you can do to help your pet have the best golden years possible.

• Before there are any signs of medical issues, it is essential to establish a baseline of blood work as well as other tests (i.e., urinalysis, blood pressure check, or X-rays)

• Keep your pet’s vaccines current

• Keep your pet current on a flea, tick, and heartworm preventative

• Feed your pet a high-quality, well-balanced diet that is appropriate for their life stage and medical issues

• Be sure your pet maintains adequate hydration

• Maintain your pet at their ideal body weight

• Provide them with plenty of physical activity and mental enrichment

• Have an at-home dental care program as well as have routine professional dental care

• Regularly groom your pet

• Routinely check your pet for lumps, bumps, or other skin abnormalities

• Discuss with your veterinarian what supplements, such as probiotics and joint supplements for dogs or cats, may benefit your pet’s overall health
  
  

What are some questions I should ask my veterinarian at my pet’s senior visit?

Having a list of questions for your veterinarian is helpful so that you won’t forget things you wanted to ask. But it also allows you to record answers to those questions in an orderly way and allows you to reference back to the answers in case you forget something.

Here are some general questions you may want to ask your veterinarian at your senior pet’s vet visit:

• How often should my senior pet be evaluated?
• What is the best diet for my senior pet?
• What is my senior pet’s ideal weight?
• How can I help my pet reach their ideal weight?
• What preventative care is beneficial for my senior pet?
• Does my pet have arthritis and joint pain, and what can I do to help manage it?
• How can I provide my senior with mental enrichment?
• What is the best bed for my senior pet who has mobility issues?
• How can I lessen stress and anxiety for my senior?
• How can I help my senior when they experience hearing and vision loss?
• What lifestyle changes are needed now that my pet is a senior?
• Ask questions specific to changes you have noticed with your pet.