Senior Wellness

Did you know that most dogs are considered seniors when they hit seven, and cats around nine!? Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illness progress quicker as well. At Hopewell Animal Hospital, our team is passionate about making sure your senior pet continues to thrive.

Our in house geriatric pet extraordinaire, Dr. Polis, has a passion for helping our senior patients through their golden years with as little pain and discomfort as possible.

Senior Wellness Exams

To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest, most comfortable life possible, Hopewell Animal Hospital encourages you to bring your senior pet for exams and blood tests twice each year. This way, we can track how your pet is aging, and we’ll be more likely to catch any developing diseases before they’re big problems.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are one of the most important parts of a senior pet care. These blood screenings—often referred to as a “senior panel”— monitor red and white blood cell counts and reveal how well the kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid are functioning.

X-Rays

Your vet may recommend a chest x-ray to ensure that the heart is a normal size and that there are no masses in the lungs.

Periodontal (Dental) Disease

Periodontal disease is always a threat to our pets’ health and comfort, and it’s particularly tough on older pets. That’s why a dental exam is always part of any senior pet screening as well.

Behavior

Make sure to let your vet know about any behavior changes in your pet. Once dogs and cat get to the geriatric stage, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction—such as losing housebreaking, getting lost or wandering aimlessly—is very important. Cognitive dysfunction is a newer concept and we are excited to say THERE IS HOPE with diet & supplements to improve our senior’s brain function as they age.

Environment

As your pet ages, it’s important to look at how their environment at home might be affecting their quality of life. If your pet is struggling with a behavior or aspect of their environment that they used to be fine with, let us know. Our team specializes in creative, feasible solutions to all sorts of challenges your pet may face, such as improving traction on hardwood flooring or suddenly going outside the litter box but only on the second level of the home. We’re here to help!

Pain Management

Pain management is key in geriatrics due to the high occurrence of arthritis in this group of patients – some studies indicate that more than 50% of dogs 9 years and up, and more than 80% of cats 14 years and up have arthritis.

Polypharmacy

It is rare to have a geriatric pet with only one problem.  They usually have at least two or three, which makes balancing their conditions with as few medications/diets/interventions as possible, and making sure that those things do not negatively interact, a challenge.  The art of polypharmacy, or mixing the perfect cocktail of supplements, medications, diets, etc. is an important skill for our geriatrics. Thankfully our team is ready to take on that challenge with your help!

Cold Laser Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy is a drug-free, surgery-free, pain-free relief for your companion. Cold Laser Therapy allows your pet to heal faster. It eases pain and improves mobility without the use of pharmaceuticals and surgery.

Learn more about cold laser therapy and other pain management techniques.

Senior Pet Wellness In Cincinnati, Ohio

To schedule a senior pet wellness exam, call us at (513) 745-0890.

What's Next

  • 1

    Call us or schedule an appointment online!

  • 2

    Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.

  • 3

    Put a plan together for your pet.

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