Caring for Your Aging Pet

Watching a pet grow older can be a tough experience. As they age, they’re going to need your love and patience more than ever before. But, you can help them live longer and healthier lives by taking them to the vet every six months for geriatric screening.

Since cats tend to live longer than dogs, you can hold off a little longer on more frequent vet visits. But by the time your cat reaches 9 or 10, vets will begin recommending geriatric screening and more extensive tests.

Dogs need to start these visits at different ages, depending on their size and weight.

If your dog weights:

up to 15 lbs: begin screening at age 9

16 to 50 lb: begin screening at age 7

51 to 80 lbs: begin screening at age 6

Over 80 lbs: begin screening at age 4

Just like a regular vet visit, the vet will check your pet’s ears, eyes, teeth and coat. But they will also take urine, stool and blood samples to help them figure out how your pet is doing on the inside. They’ll run tests for common diseases that occur in older animals.

Even between vet visits, it’s important to keep an eye on your animal. If you notice any behavioral changes, especially unusual lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s probably time for a vet visit. As your pet ages, you’re still the person that understands them best. You’re the one that can recognize when something is wrong.