Being old isn't a disease, but it does require some special considerations and extra care. We recommended wellness examinations and screening diagnostics (bloodwork, urinalysis, +/- radiographs) every 6-12 months to catch potential issues early.
See the links below for some helpful info on geriatric pet care and specific diseases more common in our older pets:
Senior pet care FAQ's:
https://www.avma.org/resources...
Arthritis:
Take an arthritis quiz: http://www.cartrophen.com/for-...
Cartrophen Injections: https://www.avma.org/resources...
Cataracts:
Cataracts in dogs: https://vcahospitals.com/know-...
Chronic Kidney Disease / Renal Failure:
Chronic kidney disease in cats: https://icatcare.org/advice/ch...
Kidney failure: Where to begin: https://veterinarypartner.vin....
Renal failure dietary therapy: https://veterinarypartner.vin....
Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia):
Recognizing canine cognitive dysfunction: https://www.petmd.com/dog/cond...
Management of dogs and cats with cognitive dysfunction: https://todaysveterinarypracti...
Senior pet cognitive dysfunction: https://vcahospitals.com/know-...
Congestive Heart Failure:
Congestive heart failure in dogs and cats: https://veterinarypartner.vin....
Information on furosemide: https://veterinarypartner.vin....
Information on pimobendan (Vetmedin): https://veterinarypartner.vin....
Liver Disease:
Liver disease in dogs: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-c...
Nutrition for dogs with liver disease: https://vcahospitals.com/know-...
Is it time for euthanasia? Quality of life assessment tools:
How do I know when: https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/...
Quality of life at the end of life for your dog: https://vcahospitals.com/know-...
Cesar Millan quality of life scale: https://www.cesarsway.com/unde...
Grey Muzzle Quality of Life App for iPhones and Android: https://www.lapoflove.com/Qual...
