For older pets, wellness checkups can help spot potential health issues and keep your elderly pet happy and healthier for longer.
As our beloved furry companions age, their needs change, and just like ours do. To stay happy and healthy, senior pets require a little extra TLC (tender loving care)!
Our entire veterinary team is passionate about giving the best, specialised care to older animals. We also do this in line with our Fear-Free philosophy, which includes gentle handling and creating a comfortable environment for all furbabies.
At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, at both our clinic locations in Yishun and Upper Thomson, we offer a senior wellness package — for dogs and cats above 8 years old, and rabbits above 6 years old. The package includes blood test, urine test, and consultation. Read on for more details below.
Meanwhile, our Yishun location also houses the Medical Grooming Centre, which focuses on pet grooming and skin issues.
The team is trained to gently handle pets who have trouble moving around, including seniors, as well as large dogs, for Fear-Free grooming.
Common Health Concerns in Senior Pets
As our furkids enter their golden years, some health conditions will naturally become more frequent or likely to occur.
Here’s a brief overview of several common age-related ailments to watch for in older dogs, cats, and rabbits:
Dogs:
• Arthritis: This common condition causes joint pain and stiffness, making it difficult for your dog to climb stairs, jump, or play. Big and heavy dog breeds are more prone to arthritis and other joint issues such as hip dysplasia.
• Dental disease: Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even infection. Regular dental care is especially crucial for senior dogs.
• Cognitive decline: Similar to dementia in humans, elderly dogs may show signs of confusion, disorientation, or changes in sleep patterns.
• Cancer: Unfortunately, cancer becomes a higher risk as dogs age. Watch for lumps, bumps, unexplained weight loss, or changes in appetite. If you are considering a biopsy, our veterinarians often perform soft-tissue surgeries.
Cats:
• Kidney disease: As kidneys age, their ability to filter waste products can decline. Signs include increased water intake, urination, and litter box accidents.
• Hyperthyroidism: This hormonal imbalance can cause weight loss, increased appetite, thirst, and an overly active demeanour in senior cats.
• Arthritis: Similar to dogs, senior cats can experience joint pain and stiffness, affecting their mobility.
• Vision problems: Cataracts and other eye issues can affect your elderly cat’s vision, leading to clumsiness or disorientation.
Rabbits:
• Dental disease: Overgrown teeth can cause discomfort and difficulty eating in senior rabbits. Regular vet checkups are essential for monitoring the condition of bunnies’ teeth.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis: This is a serious condition in rabbits where their digestive system slows down or stops functioning. It can be life-threatening, and requires prompt veterinary attention. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating, abdominal pain (the rabbit may appear hunched over), and infrequent droppings.
• Hairballs: Long-haired rabbits are more prone to hairballs, which can cause digestive problems. Regular brushing helps prevent them.
• Arthritis: As with other ageing animals, joint pain can affect a rabbit’s mobility and comfort.
General:
In addition, across different animal species, senior furkids are generally prone to developing benign skin growths such as fatty tumours and sebaceous adenomas. While usually harmless, it is still a good idea to get these checked by a veterinarian to rule out anything more serious.
Skin infections may also become more common as pets age. A weakened immune system in older pets can make them more susceptible to skin infections, and signs to look out for include redness, irritation, and possible fur loss.
Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list of age-related issues. If you notice any concerning changes in your senior pet’s health, schedule an appointment with your primary veterinarian promptly.
Why Are Senior Wellness Exams Important?
Just like humans, pets experience age-related changes that can affect their health. These changes can be subtle at first, and by the time outward signs appear, the condition might be more advanced.
Regular senior wellness checkups are vital for catching potential health issues early, instead of waiting for signs of illness to show.
This will allow the veterinarian to start prompt treatment and let your senior furry companion enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling life for longer, while giving you peace of mind and enabling you to proactively care for them.
Benefits of wellness checks include being able to detect and treat health conditions early on, and improving the animal’s quality of life. Early intervention and a personalised healthcare or treatment plan can address age-related issues like pain, stiffness, or decreased appetite.
Our Senior Wellness Package
The senior wellness package at Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery is available for dogs and cats above 8 years old, and for rabbits above 6 years old.
The comprehensive package is designed to give your older furkid a thorough health assessment. It includes:
i. Detailed physical examination: Our veterinarian will perform a physical exam, carefully checking your pet’s overall health, mobility, vision, hearing, and dental health.
ii. Senior bloodwork: This essential blood test analyses various factors, including red and white blood cell counts, organ function (kidneys, liver, etc), thyroid function, and blood sugar levels. Early detection of any abnormalities allows for proactive management.
iii. Urinalysis: Urine analysis provides valuable insights into your pet’s hydration status and can help identify potential problems with the kidneys or urinary tract.
iv. Medical report and follow up plan: After the examination and tests, our veterinarian will prepare a detailed report and recommend a personalised healthcare plan for your senior pet. This plan may include dietary adjustments, pain-management strategies, medication options, or additional diagnostic tests if needed.
If you are keen to find out more about the senior wellness package, please reach out to our friendly staff via WhatsApp at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).
Fear-Free Veterinary Care
At the Paws N’ Claws Vet clinics in Yishun and Upper Thomson, our team is committed to the Fear-Free approach to veterinary care. We believe that your pet’s emotional health is as important as their physical health.
This evidence-based philosophy focuses on minimising stress and promoting a positive experience for your pet throughout their veterinary care journey with us. We employ various techniques, such as:
- Offering (healthy) treats, toys, petting, or brushing
- Minimising handling and restraint
- Using calming medications and pheromones
- Speaking in quiet, reassuring voices
- Creating a comfortable environment with blankets and towels, and calm music
- Practising positive reinforcement
In particular, a Fear-Free approach can be helpful for senior pets, who often have decreased mobility or experience pain due to conditions such as arthritis. By prioritising gentle handling and stress reduction, it enables our older patients to have a pleasant experience at the vet clinic, animal hospital, or grooming centre.
We also offer ‘happy visits‘, free-of-charge, to help your furkid familiarise themselves with the pet hospital or clinic premises and create positive associations with that environment, making future vet visits less stressful.
Learn more about happy visits and the Fear-Free concept in our article: What is Fear-Free?
Chat With Us
At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, we welcome all animals — including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, birds, and other exotic species.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team of veterinarians, nurses, and technicians will gladly address any questions you may have.
We believe in empowering pet owners with knowledge and understanding so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s well-being and healthcare.
Have a question? WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).
Alternatively, please fill in the form below to send us a query.
