Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine and care practices, pets are living longer and happier lives. Our goal at Merritt Animal Hospital is to help your pet age gracefully and minimize their health issues. From specialized care to regular testing services, we offer an array of services that can benefit your senior pet. For more information on how we can help, call us at 519-360-4508.  

When is a dog considered a senior?

Typically, a dog is considered geriatric at 7 years old. It can vary depending on the dog's size, breed, and genetic factors.

My senior cat is losing weight. What can I do?

If you think your senior cat is losing weight, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our veterinarians, as there may be an underlying medical reason for the weight loss. However, as a preventative measure, you can switch your senior pet to a diet specially formulated for them. These senior diets often have more digestible protein sources to help maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass.

What are some tips for how to care for my senior cat?

To help keep your senior pet as healthy as possible, we recommend physical examinations twice a year and wellness bloodwork to detect early signs of kidney or liver disease, among others. Senior cat food and supplements for joint care and mobility can help maintain a healthy lifestyle.