Many of us have pets that are senior citizens.It is always a shock to hear that our beloved pet is now considered a senior.They may not act their age but dogs over 7 years and cats over 9 years of age are considered to be seniors.Just like humans our senior pets develop health issues including: obesity, disuse muscle atrophy, thyroid disease, glaucoma, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, lumps, kidney failure, tumors and other age related issues.Some of these problems if caught early are preventable or at least controlled as the pet ages.Twice yearly exams with blood and urine screening can give important information about internal organ health and general overall health of your pet.

Why examine twice a year?Our pet’s age faster than we do and examining them every 6 months is similar to a human seeing their physician once every 3-3 ½ years.It’s amazing what changes can occur in our pets in just 6 months.During these 6 months exams further diagnostics may be required to evaluate a disease process.These may include special blood tests, chest and abdominal x-rays, blood pressure measurement, eye pressure measurement, heart echocardiogram or a referral to a specialist. Catching diseases early can save your pet years of pain and suffering.It cannot be overstated that reducing pain and inflammation and treating disease increases quality and longevity of life.Sometimes a special diet or change in diet is recommended. Studies have shown that animals that are at ideal body weight can live 1.8 years longer than if they were obese.To learn more go to Purina Life Study on line to read about how body weight and condition factors in to longevity.Talk to your veterinarian team about senior wellness issues and what you can do now to help slow down the aging process in your pet.