A pet’s health needs evolve throughout life, becoming more complex during their senior years. While age is not a disease, older age predisposes pets to health issues that can interfere with quality of life. Routine exams are critical for senior pets to allow the veterinary team to detect subtle changes and early disease signs. The sooner a potential health issue is detected, the more likely treatment will be effective in slowing or stopping the disease process. 

Early disease detection is a valuable tool in the senior care arsenal, but not all diseases are treatable or curable. Frequent exams can alert you to a terminal illness, allowing you time to process that information, discuss treatment options, and plan for the future rather than learning about the problem when your pet has an emergency or passes unexpectedly.

The aging process in pets

Aging pets often experience changes in their bodies and health, including reduced organ function, reduced metabolism, impaired immune function, mobility problems, and behavioral changes. You cannot stop your pet from aging, but you can support them through the aging process by addressing difficulties proactively as they arise. Senior pet exams are designed to detect and address problems early, promoting better overall health and quality of life.

Comprehensive physical exams for seniors

Comprehensive physical exams are the starting point for evaluating a senior pet’s health. Because pets age faster than people and can develop new problems quickly, most veterinarians recommend that seniors be fully examined at least twice annually. Your veterinarian will examine your pet from head to tail, watching closely for common senior problems, such as joint pain, dental disease, lumps and bumps, enlarged abdominal organs, or cataracts. By comparing notes to previous exams, your vet can detect subtle changes you may not notice at home.

During a physical exam, your veterinarian may detect common aging changes and suggest treatments or other interventions to prevent them from hurting your furry pal’s quality of life. Common aging changes include:

* Arthritis — Arthritis occurs in all senior pets to some degree, impacting mobility and overall comfort. Fortunately, many effective therapeutic interventions, such as supplements, pain medications, laser therapy, alternative medicine, or rehabilitation, are available for joint disease.

* Vision and Hearing Loss — Senior pets may develop vision or hearing loss due to normal or abnormal aging changes. Some blinding eye diseases are treatable when detected early and addressed by a veterinary eye specialist.

* Dental disease — Dental problems, such as periodontal disease, gum infections, or root abscesses, can cause significant pain and endanger vital organs if harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream. Although often overlooked, dental care is crucial to aging comfortably.

* Weight changes — Dietary needs change with age, and senior pet exams provide an opportunity to assess weight and nutritional requirements. Seniors may also require a prescription or nutritionist-formulated diet to treat specific health problems and maintain a healthy weight.

Screening tests for seniors

Some senior pets appear healthy on physical exams but have problems brewing internally. Routine diagnostic screening tests, including blood and urine tests, parasite screenings, and heart function tests, are critical to developing a complete picture of your pet’s health. Diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, endocrine disorders, and liver changes, which are common in older pets, are detectable with routine screening tests. Early intervention and management of chronic disease can significantly extend your pet’s life and help maintain quality of life as long as possible.

Senior pet mental and behavioral health

Another important reason for your senior pet to visit the veterinarian regularly is to address common behavioral issues with age and determine if medical problems, cognitive decline, or pain are behind the changes. Common changes in seniors include altered sleep patterns, house soiling, increased anxiety, new irritability, social withdrawal, and appetite changes. You should not assume these are normal consequences of age—check with your veterinarian to find the underlying cause and a solution that will make your pet feel better. Potential treatments for behavior changes include supplements, anti-anxiety medication, pain medications, exercise routines, and diet changes.

Senior pet exams are investments in your pet’s ongoing health and wellness. Aging can be difficult to navigate, but your veterinary team stands ready to help. You might consider veterinary hospice care if your pet develops a chronic disease and no longer responds to conventional treatments. When the time comes, Lap of Love veterinarians offers in-home euthanasia services to provide a peaceful passing.