Senior Pet Care

Senior pets are treasured family members. Unfortunately, some common health conditions can appear as they age. At Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington, IL, we strive to provide the best care possible for pets of all ages. We know that senior pets have different needs and that regular veterinary care can keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

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Health Concerns for Senior Pets

As your pet ages, your pet is more likely to develop some diseases and health conditions. One of the most common health conditions is arthritis. Just like humans, wear on the joints and loss of lubrication and cartilage can lead to painful arthritis. Proper nutrition can help maintain joint health in your pet which can help prevent or slow arthritis. Your vet can also prescribe arthritis treatments to help relieve pain and inflammation. 

Heart disease is another concern for older pets. Some breeds are at higher risk of some types of heart disease. Inactivity, labored breathing, coughing, faster breathing, and jaundice are some of the signs of heart disease. Currently, there is no cure for heart disease. However, treatments can help reduce the symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease.

Diabetes usually occurs in dogs 5 years or older and cats 6 years or older. Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes as male dogs, and male cats that are neutered are twice as likely as female cats to develop diabetes. In both pets, obesity and age are the biggest factors. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes by 3-5 times. Diabetes can be managed with the help of your veterinarian.

Euthanasia

Sometimes senior pets develop untreatable conditions that prevent them from having a good quality of life. Congestive heart failure, severe arthritis, and cancer are a few of the conditions where euthanasia is often recommended to end the pet's suffering. Euthanasia is typically administered in two shots. The first is a sedative that puts the pet to sleep, similar to surgical anesthesia. Once they are asleep, a second shot is given, often pentobarbital. Pentobarbital will cause the pet's heart to stop, bringing on a gentle and painless death.

Senior Pet Care in Bloomington, IL

If you live in or around Bloomington, IL, choose Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital to keep your pet healthy and happy. We offer routine care and screening as well as treatment for the health conditions developed by senior pets. Early detection is key for keeping your pet at their best as they age. Call us today at 309-663-1414 to schedule an appointment.

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