Lakeland Veterinary Hospital

"Caring for pets and the people who love them"

~Senior Wellness~

As a rule of thumb, pets of many breeds age about 7 years in one calendar year as compared to humans (see age chart below). When they reach 7 years of age they are therefore almost 50 years old. Like in people, age can bring ailments that should be treated early. Regular wellness checks and additional tests every 3 to 4 pet years (that is every 6 to 12 calendar months) are recommended to ensure optimum health and longevity.

From 7 years on, we recommend a thorough senior wellness examination every 6 months *:

·  "12 Systems" comprehensive examination

·  baseline wellness health profile (blood test)

·  intestinal parasite exam (stool test)

·  check dental condition

·  nutritional review & counseling for senior requirements

·  check for glaucoma

* Recommended tests may vary between individual, species, breeds and age groups.

Keep track and then report them to us immediately, before they become serious.

• Just not acting like himself/herself
• Interacting less often with family
• Responding less often or less enthusiastically
• Changing in behavior/activity level
• Having difficulty climbing stairs
• Having difficulty jumping
• Exhibiting increased stiffness or limping
• Drinking more or more often
• Urinating more often
• Changing eating patterns

• Noticeably gaining or losing weight
• Losing housetraining habits
• Changing sleeping patterns
• Becoming confused or disoriented
• Changing hair coat, skin or new lumps or bumps
• Scratching more often
• Exhibiting bad breath/red or swollen gums
• Showing tremors or shaking

Age Chart

Below are age charts for canines and felines. Match your pet's weight with its current age

to find out how old he/she would be in human years!

Canine

Feline

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