Health needs change as pets age, so it is important for owners to keep a close eye on their senior pets. This is especially true when it comes to cats, who are great at hiding their illnesses. Sometimes, by the time that you that realize that something is wrong with your cat, it may be too late.

It is necessary to feed seniors a high-quality senior diet to keep up with their changing nutritional needs. It is also necessary for owners to watch how much their pet eats, since many have a reduced appetite as they age.

McClure Veterinary Clinic and our in-home service Greener Pastures recommend that all senior pets get examined more than once a year, if possible. We want to monitor their weight and body condition. We may even notice a problem before their owners do!

We also recommend that senior pets have regular blood work, along with a urinalysis. We want to be able to catch any problems as early as possible. Blood work can help find problems with your pet’s kidneys and liver, and catch early signs of diabetes, cancer, and other potential problems. Whenever possible, a thyroid panel should be done.

Arthritis is a very common problem with older pets. Here at McClure Veterinary Clinic and our in-home service Greener Pastures, our veterinarians are here to help your senior pet have a much more comfortable life. We offer many different options to help with the pain of arthritis.

If you have any questions about the care of your senior pet, please contact us today. One of our dedicated staff will help answer your questions.