Senior Pet Care in McKinney

Thanks to improved veterinary advancements and a better understanding of animal care, our pets are living longer and healthier than ever before. We are grateful for the added time we have with our best friends, and we want them to enjoy a high quality of life while managing the potential for age-related conditions.

Senior pets require some extra loving care as their bodies and immune systems slow down with time and age. And because our pets’ lives are short and sweet, this means that for some larger dog breeds, their senior years will begin as early as the age of seven. For smaller dogs and cats, senior status is typically recognized around the age of nine. By the age of ten, all dogs and cats are considered seniors.

One of the reasons it is important for your senior pet to receive special veterinary attention is that they are statistically at greater risk of contracting a chronic disease such as arthritis or diabetes. Regular veterinary check-ups allow a doctor to catch diseases of this nature early. This is why senior pets should receive semi-annual checkups rather than the annual schedule we recommend for younger pets.

During these check-ups, our McKinney veterinarian will likely perform the following tests to assess their overall condition and health:

• Blood-work
• Urinalysis
• X-rays

If you are a senior pet owner, more frequent veterinary appointments will not be the only change in your pet’s care that you will experience. It is normal for pets to slow down as they age, both physically and mentally, over time. If you notice a sudden change in your senior pet’s behavior, please call us immediately.