Senior Pet Care

Old Friend Health Care serving Ames and Gilbert, IA

At Companion Animal Clinic, we support you in satisfying the healthcare needs of your elder four-footed companions. This way we contribute to giving them a greater life expectancy, while we monitor them closely to avoid any problems and to catch potential issues before they become life-threatening.

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Our Senior Pet Health Care Services serving Ames and Gilbert Include:

• Full-Body Examination, Heart and Lung Tests, Blood Work, Urinalysis and Feces Samples.
• Hearing and Eye Testing.
• Routine Vaccination to Prevent Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu) And Enteritis.
• Parasite Control, Flea Control, Regular Worming for Gastrointestinal Worms and Heartworm Preventive Medication.
• Dental Care and Prescription Dental Diet to Maintain Oral Health and Prevent Tooth Loss, Tartar and Periodontal Disease.
• Nutrition Guidance for a Balanced Diet, in Order to Prevent Obesity and to Avoid the Harmful Effects of Excessive Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium.
• Playtime Tips to Help Your Pets Exercise, in Order to Enhance Circulation and Maintain Muscle Tone.

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What Changes in Behavior and Habits Should Alarm Me?

As your four-footed companions get older, it is expected for them to slow down and to experience hearing loss and vision loss to a certain level, but there are other changes that you should be aware of since they may not seem critical, but they could indicate health issues.

For instance, extremely lethargic behavior, excessive thirst and/or urination, increased or decreased appetite, lumps or bumps, significant changes in body weight, regular constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, heart murmur and breathing difficulties, among others.

If your pets are experiencing this type of change, book an appointment and bring them to the vet so that we can successfully manage the situation and prevent any possible disease.

How to Make Old Pals With Arthritis Feel More Comfortable?

Most pets tend to develop a certain degree of arthritic change as they grow old, which is particularly common in large breeds and in heavy pals. When this happens, the best thing that you can do is cover their musculo-skeletal system needs, which include: providing warm and soft bedding, blankets, a diet to keep their weight stable, and a daily exercise routine.

Should I Worry About Lumps and Bumps?

With advancing age, it is expected for pets to develop lumps, which in many cases are harmless; however, you should always have your vet check them. There is no reason for you to worry unless you notice rapid growth, changes in shape, or that your pet is constantly chewing or scratching a lump.