Geriatric Pet Care in Sacramento
For senior pets, regular check-ups and high-quality care are critical to increasing their lifespan and improving their overall quality of life. Older pets need personalized treatment to keep them as healthy as possible as they age. Regular appointments allow veterinarians to catch any potential health issues early, greatly increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Our Sacramento-based clinic specializes in geriatric care for pets, and our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for senior animals. If you have an older pet in need of care, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose South Sacramento Pet Hospital for Senior Pet Care
At South Sacramento Pet Hospital, we understand the importance of a specialized approach to older pets. As pets age, they are more likely to experience health issues, making the quality and thoroughness of care from a veterinary office even more essential.
Our professional staff is highly experienced in advanced senior pet care and understands that each animal deserves its own individualized care plan to address its specific needs and help it age gracefully.
Our professional staff is highly experienced in advanced senior pet care and understands that each animal deserves its own individualized care plan to address its specific needs and help it age gracefully.
The Importance of Routine Geriatric Check-Ups
Routine checkups are important for pets of any age. However, they become even more critical as pets get older. Frequent examinations from a veterinarian can lead to the early detection of common age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Baseline diagnostic work, such as blood work and urinalysis, helps vets detect any larger concerns in a pet’s internal system. Proactive monitoring and care help issues before they become unmanageable and can increase a pet’s life expectancy and improve their overall comfort levels.
Geriatric Services We Offer in Sacramento
Our Sacramento-based team provides a wide variety of services for geriatric pets. This includes:
Comprehensive wellness exams and age-appropriate lab tests
Nutritional counseling and weight management
Dental care for older teeth and gums
Environmental adjustments
Mental stimulation exercise
End of life planning
Pain management and mobility support such as joint supplements or laser therapy
Chronic disease management (kidney, heart, endocrine conditions)
Common Age-Related Conditions
Unfortunately, senior animals are more prone to cognitive dysfunction, arthritis, and organ decline than younger pets.
If you notice any potential symptoms of an age-related condition, you should seek veterinary care immediately. This may include confusion, lethargy, changes in appetite, stiffness, vision loss, severe weight loss or gain, or changes in behavior. These symptoms may be a sign of an age-related condition such as:
Canine and feline dementia
Osteoarthritis and joint disease
Heart and kidney problems
Hormonal imbalances (Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism)
Vision or hearing loss
Cancer
Dental disease
Lifestyle Adjustments & Home Care
While not all conditions in older pets are fully preventable, there are several things owners can do to keep their pets as comfortable as possible.
As pets get older, it’s even more essential to stay on top of their environmental conditions. Ensure your pet has comfortable bedding, slip-proof flooring, stair assistance or ramps, lack of obstacles, and warm, quiet spaces they can rest.
You should also be sure to maintain a strict, nutritious diet for your pet, as obesity can be a major factor in shortening the lifespan of older animals. Regular exercise and mental stimulation can also help senior pets remain engaged and healthy.
Additionally, regular grooming habits such as nail trimming, brushing, and coat checks, help keep your pets clean and feeling their best.
Payment Options for Geriatric Care at South Sacramento Pet Hospital
At South Sacramento Pet Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Geriatric Care. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Geriatric Pet Care
While younger pets can see a vet for a check-up once per year, older pets should make more frequent visits. Aim for at least two exams per year for older pets, increasing the frequency if you notice any potential symptoms of a serious condition.
The age at which your pet transitions to becoming a “senior” pet depends on the species and breed. For dogs, the general guideline is that they become senior when they reach the last 25 percent of their expected lifespan. Cats are generally considered senior when they reach the age of 10.
If you notice that your pet has increased anxiety, is overly aggressive, has a larger reaction to unexpected noises or sounds than usual, is acting disoriented or confused, or has less energy or interest in playing and exercise, it could be a sign of cognitive decline. Your vet may be able to slow this decline by starting animals on certain medications or by recommending environmental changes you can implement at home.
Book an Appointment at South Sacramento Pet Hospital
New pets are always welcome at South Sacramento Pet Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
Book Online