After giving you years of loving companionship, your pet may need extra TLC as he grows older. Your Bellevue veterinarian can provide your older feline or canine with the senior pet care he needs. Dogs and cats age much faster than people. Depending on your dog’s breed, he may be considered a senior pet by the time he reaches seven years of age. Cats are generally considered seniors between eight to ten years of age. At Animal Wellness Center, we offer the following senior pet care services for your older cat or dog.

Wellness Exams

Since senior pets are at risk of developing health issues, we recommend semi-annual wellness exams for your older animal. At this time, we’ll give your pet a complete checkup to evaluate his health. Your Bellevue veterinarians, Dr. Tejinder Sodhi and Dr. Rupali Sodhi, will examine your furry pet from nose to tail to detect early warning signs of health issues or degenerative disease. We’ll check your pet's joints for signs of arthritis and listen to his heart for signs of heart conditions. If necessary, we’ll conduct blood, urine, fecal, and skins tests to confirm signs of health ailments. We'll also make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date to protect him from contagious diseases.

Dental Care

Older pets are more prone to dental issues and gum disease. Regular dental exams and cleanings are a must to protect your senior pet’s teeth and gums. Periodontal disease, in particular, needs immediate treatment to preserve your animal’s teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can enter your pet’s bloodstream and cause liver, heart, and kidney problems. Regular in-home dental care is also essential for older pets to protect their oral health.

Dietary and Exercise Counseling

As your pet ages, he won’t be as active as he was in his youth, which could lead to excess weight gain. By adjusting your pet’s diet to accommodate a more sedentary lifestyle, you can avoid problems with obesity. Your Bellevue veterinarian can recommend high-quality pet food for older dogs and cats to ensure they’re getting the protein they need without extra calories.

We’ll also help you establish an exercise regimen for your older pet to help him stay healthy and fit in his senior years. We recommend your senior dog take short walks as opposed to long treks in the park to maintain strength and flexibility in his muscles and joints. Playing with your cat indoors or providing him with interactive toys will help him stay healthy and limber.