Senior Health Care
As pets age, they require specialised care to maintain their
health and quality of life. At Hallam Park Animal Hospital, we offer
comprehensive senior pet care services to address the unique needs of older
cats and dogs.
Early Detection through Blood Screening
Regular blood tests are crucial for senior pets, as they
can:
- Detect illnesses before visible symptoms appear
- Identify decreasing organ function early
- Monitor chronic conditions and treatment effectiveness
We recommend annual blood tests for pets, increasing to
twice yearly from age 7-9.
Early detection through regular check-ups and blood screenings can help manage these conditions and improve quality of life for senior dogs
To help your senior pet thrive, we offer:
- Regular health exams (typically every 6 months)
- Nutritional counselling for age-appropriate diets
- Pain management and arthritis care
- Dental care to prevent pain and infection
- Cognitive health monitoring
Our senior pet wellness plans include comprehensive care to address these issues and more, ensuring your pet ages comfortably and gracefully.
By prioritising early detection and tailored care, we can help extend the healthy years of your senior pet’s life, allowing them to enjoy their golden years to the fullest
See below for some common issues that arise in senior pets, all of which can often be detected in a blood test or consult
Common Diseases in Senior Dog
Arthritis and Joint Problems
- Difficulty
getting up or lying down - Stiffness,
limping, or favouring a limb
- Difficulty
Cancer
- Most
common cause of death in dogs over 2 years old - Almost
half of dogs over 10 will develop cancer
Heart Disease
- 75%
of senior dogs have some form of heart disease - Can
lead to congestive heart failure
Kidney Disease
- Inability
to remove toxins from the body - Increased
thirst and urination
Liver Cancer
- More
common in dogs over 9 years old - Can
seriously impact lifespan
Vision and Hearing Loss
- Cloudy
eyes or irritation around eyes and ears - Lack
of response to sounds
Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia)
- Confusion
and disorientation - Changes
in sleep patterns
Incontinence
- Urinary
accidents due to weakening muscles - Can
also be a sign of urinary tract infection
Other Common Issues
Gastrointestinal Problems
- Vomiting
and diarrhoea - Can
be signs of more serious conditions
Diabetes
- Increased
thirst and appetite - Weight
loss despite eating well
Common Diseases in Senior Cats
Kidney Disease
-
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 40% of cats over 10 and 80% of cats over 15
- Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and lethargy
Hyperthyroidism
-
- Caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone
- Signs include weight loss despite increased appetite
Diabetes
-
- Often develops in middle to senior age
- Requires daily insulin injections and a strict low-carbohydrate diet
Dental Disease
-
- Common in older cats, including periodontal disease and stomatitis
Cancer
-
- Various forms including lymphoma, leukaemia, and organ-specific tumours
Arthritis
-
- Causes pain and reduced mobility in older cats
Heart Disease
-
- Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure
Cognitive Decline
-
- Similar to dementia in humans, affecting behaviour and mental function
Vision and Hearing Loss
-
- Common age-related changes affecting sensory function