We value the relationship you share with your old friend – your pet. We are committed to help that friendship last as long as possible and working together we can maintain your pet's health and quality of life.

Just like us, as pets age, their physical condition and health change over time. These changes mean that your pet needs special veterinary care in addition to the annual wellness exam. We will help you develop a complete geriatric health-maintenance program to provide optimal care for your older pet. As your pet ages, we may recommend more frequent and perhaps more extensive examinations to detect and monitor changes in your pet's physical condition. Geriatric examinations frequently involve laboratory tests on your pet's blood and urine. Radiology, ultrasonography and other diagnostic tests may also be recommended. It is important to establish a set of baseline values for your pet to make it easier to monitor changes in your pet's health over time.

We encourage you to let us know right away if you notice signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing. Watch your pet carefully for any unusual changes in activity level and attitude, appetite, water intake, urination, bowel movements or body weight. Don't just dismiss changes in your pet's health as "part of the aging process," because they may be signs of serious, but treatable, disease. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, frequent exams are necessary for early detection of the changes and illnesses associated with aging.

The aging process varies with breed and lifestyle. Additional annual screening for diseases and other age-related problems should begin at age seven for most cats and small to medium sized dogs.

Large and giant dogs should be screened starting at the age of five or six.

By working together to give your senior pet the regular care it needs, you give them the best chance to live a long, happy life with you!