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Senior Care

Pet owners place increasing value on their pet's ability to have a long, happy, and healthy life. How do we go about ensuring the quality of life for our older pets?

Senior care includes three broad areas:
  • Preventative Medicine
  • Diagnostic Medicine
  • Treatment Medicine

Preventative medicine begins with you because you can best observe your pet over an extended time and is in the best position to note subtle changes as your pet ages. When you bring your senior pet in for a visit, please note any changes over time in your pet's water consumption, appetite, body weight, activity level, skin masses, or behavior. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible when you see changes. Early detection and intervention of problems can prevent serious consequences for our pet's health. We also recommend that pets have a complete senior blood profile done at the annual physical exam to screen for potential problems and to establish baseline values for your individual pet.

We can also provide our aging companions with moderate exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to their age. Our goal is to keep pets limber and mentally alert to enhance the quality of their lives. Pets may benefit from dietary changes at this time as well to reflect reduced activity levels or to provide nutritional supplements. It is all too common for older pets to gain weight. Unfortunately, increased body weight is related to a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, orthopedic problems, and respiratory ailments. Please consult with your pet care team for suggestions and recommendations.

If your pet develops acute or chronic conditions related to aging, your veterinarian has many diagnostic tools and treatment options available. There has been much recent research in the area of senior care, and new medicines and tools are being developed on an ongoing basis. Please feel free to consult with your veterinarian regarding any special care for your senior pet.






Latham Animal Hospital

326 Troy Schenectady Rd
Latham, NY 12110
P: (518) 785-1481
F: (518) 785-1499
info@capitalvets.com




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