Caring for Pets Through Golden Years
Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care believes in the importance of wellness exams for older pets. Routine veterinary care for older pets helps them enjoy their golden years in comfort and good health. Just like humans, pets experience changes in their bodies as they grow older, and regular veterinary visits are needed to detect and manage age-related conditions.
Senior Pet Exams: What to Expect
As your pet enters their senior years, we recommend scheduling wellness exams twice a year. More frequent visits may be necessary for pets with specific medical conditions. These exams provide an opportunity to identify any changes in your pet’s health and address them before they become serious. A senior pet wellness exam includes a comprehensive physical evaluation, during which our veterinarians will check for signs of common age-related issues such as arthritis, dental disease, heart health, and more. We will administer any necessary vaccinations and dispense parasite preventatives. Depending on your pet’s physical exam results, we may also recommend additional diagnostics, such as blood, urine, or stool testing, X-rays, or ultrasounds, depending on your pet’s condition. Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring blood pressure or a dental cleaning, too.
Our doctor will then discuss the exam findings and any concerns you may have. We will offer recommendations for maintaining your pet’s health. This may include dietary changes, supplements, or medications to manage any emerging conditions. Rest assured that we will work with you to develop the best possible care plan to keep your pet happy and healthy as they age.
Common Health Issues in Older Pets
As pets get older, they become more susceptible to a variety of health issues. While some signs of aging are normal, other symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. Some of the most common health concerns we monitor in senior pets include:
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Thyroid Disease
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Dental Disease
- Eye Disease
- Arthritis
- Behavior Changes
- Cancer
Our veterinarians will help you recognize the signs of these conditions and provide treatment options that can improve your senior pet’s quality of life. If your senior pet is displaying urgent symptoms of being sick such as lethargy, refusal to eat, or recurring diarrhea, we strongly recommend calling us for urgent care.
Managing Arthritis in Senior Pets
One of the most common issues in aging pets is arthritis, a painful condition that affects the joints and can significantly impact your pet’s mobility and comfort. Signs that your pet may be suffering from arthritis include:
- Difficulty getting up, especially after resting
- Stiffness or limping
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Decreased activity or playfulness
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability or withdrawal
At Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care, we have pet arthritis treatment options to help manage arthritis and reduce pain in senior pets. Our pain management solutions include laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that helps reduce inflammation in affected joints. We are committed to finding the right combination of treatments to keep your senior pet comfortable and active for as long as possible.
Senior Pet Veterinarian in Jupiter, FL
Senior pets require specialized care to maintain their health and happiness. Regular wellness exams, combined with appropriate diagnostics and treatments, can help identify and manage health issues early, allowing your pet to live comfortably as they age. To schedule a senior pet wellness exam, please give us a call. We are happy to accommodate same-day appointments and walk-ins. Whether your pet needs arthritis management, dental care, or support for age-related conditions, our experienced team is here to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.
Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying
“Very happy with the care they have provided for my older pet. The vet is kind and gentle with her and only suggests what she needs. The staff is always helpful and polite.” – Charles
Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care provides compassionate veterinary care for senior dogs and cats in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Stuart, Hobe, Sound, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Park, Riviera Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach, West Gate, Palm Springs, Wellington, Greenacres, Haverhill, Lake Worth, and neighboring Florida communities.
