Dear Spring Oaks’ Family:

The September topic of the month Celebrate Seniors!

Pets are living longer thanks to good nutrition and increased usage of monthly parasite prevention.  As pets age we want to make sure they continue to have good health by identifying problems early.  The best way to do this is to have more frequent physical examinations coupled with periodic diagnostic testing.  The age at which dogs and cats “become senior” varies with the individual and depends on body size, metabolic rate, and lifestyle.  As a general rule, beginning around age 7 or 8 we begin to see a greater incidence of diseases in pets that are common to senior human counterparts.  These diseases include heart disease, endocrine disease (diabetes, thyroid problems), osteoarthritis, and cancer.  These diseases can go unnoticed in the early stages so frequent health check ups and periodic screening bloodwork and urinalysis are the basis of preventative senior care.

Signs you should have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian include:

• Just not acting like himself/herself
• Interacting less often with the family
• Responding less often or less enthusiastically
• Showing changes in behavior/activity level
• Having difficulty climbing stairs
• Having difficulty jumping
• Exhibiting increased stiffness or limping
• Drinking more often
• Urinating more often
• Changing eating patterns
• Noticeably gaining or losing weight
• Losing housetraining habits
• Changing sleeping patterns
• Becoming confused or disoriented
• Change in hair coat, skin, or new lumps or bumps
• Scratching more often
• Showing tremors or shaking 

Senior animals may also benefit from diets specifically designed for their needs.  We recommend Royal Canin Mature for both dogs and cats.  Royal Canin Mature is highly digestible, contains ingredients to support joints, has a moderate phosphorous level to aid in kidney health, and is enriched with natural antioxidants.

Our older pets have given us many years of faithful companionship.  Don’t they deserve the best health care possible?  Schedule a Senior Wellness checkup today so we can make sure your furry friend can have healthy and comfortable golden years.

If you have any further questions about your senior pet, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Alshouse or myself.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Jackson