Heartland Veterinary Clinic
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seniors

HERE'S SOME INFORMATION TO help you and your pet
through their golden years.
Is your pet 7 years or older? 
If so the following information affects you and your pet the most...

Senior Pets Have Special Needs
As dog and cats move into the senior phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging in humans.

Diseases and conditions that are commonly known to affect older people also affect our canine companions: kidney, heart and liver disease, tumors, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and thyroid conditions.

Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet’s needs are essential to quality of life.

Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition and environment all contribute to how your pet will be influenced by the aging process.

 However your pet is considered to be “senior” at 7 years old. Small dogs and cats tend to have a longer life expectancy than medium to large breed dogs.

 Since pets age more rapidly than people, dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Senior Wellness Bloodscreens Provide Hidden Answers

Studies have shown that as many as 23% of senior dogs and 17% of senior cats that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too difficult or costly to diagnose or treat.

A Senior Wellness screen includes laboratory tests so they can detect the onset of diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.

Several non-invasive tests and procedures performed regularly can help our staff detect early-stage disease and provide a baseline for measuring changes.

 These tests include:

  • Complete Blood Count
  • Serum Chemistry Profile
  • Complete Urinalysis
  • Thyroid Hormone Levels
  • Other tests may be recommended

More Frequent Examinations

While an annual exam may be sufficient for younger pets, we want to see your senior pet at least every 6 months.
Annual exams for your pet represent 5 to 8 years in the life of a human.

Special attention will be paid to your dog’s teeth and gums, skin and coat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, eyes and joints.

Annual laboratory tests can detect the onset of disease or abnormal health conditions.

Nutrition and Exercise

A proper senior diet and suitable exercise are critical to your pets continued health and comfort.
Our Veterinarian and hospital staff may advise you on modifications for your aging pet.
This may include a special diet based on your pet’s specific needs, as well as an exercise regimen for your senior pet.

Senior Nutrition
In general, geriatric pets benefit from a diet that has been formulated to take into account the changing needs in the geriatric phase of life. Older pets require less, and higher quality, protein. They also have a slower metabolism, requiring a lower total calorie intake to avoid obesity
If there are specific medical conditions your pet may have, our veterinary team will specially select a diet which best suits your pet's needs

​Medications
Conditions such as arthritis are very common disorders in older pets.
New medications are now available that are both safe and effective for pain management, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and other age-related diseases.
There are also many safe and effective supplements available.

Arthritis and Joint Management 
 If your dog is slowing down, speak with our team to develop a personalized Joint Management Plan for your dog. Take the first step in helping improve your dog’s mobility and quality of life by incorporating these essential elements into your pet’s life:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Weight management

Therapy Laser
Therapy laser can be part of the plan to help ease your pet’s pain. This powerful modality provides increased mobility, increased wound healing, and post surgery rehabilitation. Typical treatment regimens include 6 treatments over a 3 week period.

Senior Wellness Checklist
The following list can help you observe behaviors and symptoms that may indicate a potential health problem in your senior pet. If your pet is experiencing one or more of these signs, please inform our staff.
  • Change in water consumption
  • Change in appetite
  • Lethargic or depressed (listless behavior)
  • Change in urine production (amount or color)
  • Constipation
  • Change in attitude (irritability)
  • Change in sleeping patterns
  • Noticeable decrease in vision
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Weight gain/loss
  • Bad breath or drooling
  • Lumps and bumps on the skin
  • Excessive panting
  • Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest
  • Increased stiffness, trouble jumping, or walking
Heartland Veterinary Clinic
Bay 300 - 2700 Main Street South
Airdrie, Alberta
Phone: 403-912-8882
Fax: 403-912-8885

​
Hours of operation:
​Monday   
         8am-6pm
Tuesday           8am-6pm
Wednesday   8am-8pm
Thursday        8am-8pm
Friday               8am-6pm
Saturday         9am-4pm
Sunday             CLOSED
*Doctors hours vary, please call to book an appointment.


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Emergency Contacts
The CARE Centre is located in the south of Calgary,  just off of Deerfoot.
Address: 7140 – 12 Street SE
Phone: 403-520-8387

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre is located in downtown Calgary. 
Address: 1802 – 10 Ave SW
Phone: 403-770-1340

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Family >
      • Dr. Gheorghe Rotaru
      • Dr. Jody McMurray
      • Meagen Lynn
      • Angela Ancelet
      • Christina Holland
      • Rebecca Pomeranz
      • Marshal Salat
      • Jodilynn Squire
      • Diana Thompson
    • Referral Services
  • Services
    • New Puppy?
    • New Kitten?
    • Diagnostic & Sick Pet Services
    • Laser Surgical Services
    • Therapy Laser
    • Senior Pets
  • Dentistry
  • Contact
  • Clinic Tour
  • Blog