|
Life Stages |
Expected Changes and Potential Diseases |
Common Conditions Recommended Preventative Care and Testing |
|
Adolescent |
Behavioral Training Optimal at 2-8 months
Sexual Maturity occurs at 6-12 months
Skeletal Maturity occurs at 8-12 months
Congenital Defects and Infectious Diseases are Primary Health Concerns |
Puppy and Kitten Immunizations
Intestinal Parasite Exams
Spaying or Neutering at 6 months
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Home Dental Care
Appropriate Growth Diet based on Breed |
|
Adult |
Peak Athletic Ability
Highest incidences of Unintentional Injuries (Trauma) and Heartworm Disease Occurs in Adulthood
Over Two Thirds (67%) of Adult Pets will Develop Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease |
Annual Physical Examination
Immunizations based on Lifestyle
Annual Heartworm Disease Test
Intestinal Parasite Exam based on Lifestyle
Basic Blood Tests Yearly
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Home Dental Care and Professional Cleanings
Adult Diet Based on Breed |
|
Senior |
Weight Increases and Shift from Muscle to Fat Tissues Often Occur Due to Overfeeding and Decreased Aerobic Activity
Graying of Hair coat
Heart, Kidney, Thyroid, and Liver Disease
Diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes)
Osteoarthritis affects at least 20% of all Senior Pets
Begin Bi-annual Wellness Exams |
Bi-annual Physical Examinations
Immunizations based on Lifestyle
Annual Senior Blood Tests and Urinalysis
Intestinal Parasite Exam based on Lifestyle
Home Dental Care and Professional Cleanings
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Radiographs, EKG, Blood Pressure, and Glaucoma Testing every 12 months based on Doctor’s recommendations
|
|
Geriatric |
Senior Changes Accelerate with higher Incidences of Heart, Thyroid, and Kidney Disease
Most Geriatric patients will Develop at Least One Age-related Condition
Decreased Immune System
Cancer Incidence Increases
Over 50% Develop Osteoarthritis
|
Bi-annual Physical Examinations
Immunizations based on Lifestyle
Senior Blood Tests and Urinalysis Tests Every 3-12 months based on Doctor’s Recommendations
Intestinal Parasite Exam based on Lifestyle
Home Dental Care and Professional Cleanings
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Radiographs, EKG, Blood Pressure, and Glaucoma Testing every 12 months. | Prescription for a Lifetime of Health
Aging is a natural process of all living things. Recent scientific and medical advances are allowing people and pets to not just live longer, but healthier lives. It is important to recognize the important milestones in your pet’s life and the impact these life stages have on health. By providing Preventative care and recognizing diseases before they become irreversible, we can often prevent or reduce the irreversible and often debilitating consequences.
The following is a chart depicting the most common age-related changes and our recommended Preventative care. These changes and recommendations will vary from pet to pet. Our staff will guide you and your pet through the years. Remember, it’s not just about Life Span - it’s about Health Span! Let us help your pet enjoy the longest possible Health Span. It’s a Great Time to be a Pet!
|
Life Stages |
Expected Changes and Potential Diseases |
Common Conditions Recommended Preventative Care and Testing |
|
Adolescent |
Behavioral Training Optimal at 2-8 months
Sexual Maturity occurs at 6-12 months
Skeletal Maturity occurs at 8-12 months
Congenital Defects and Infectious Diseases are Primary Health Concerns |
Puppy and Kitten Immunizations
Intestinal Parasite Exams
Spaying or Neutering at 6 months
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Home Dental Care
Appropriate Growth Diet based on Breed |
|
Adult |
Peak Athletic Ability
Highest incidences of Unintentional Injuries (Trauma) and Heartworm Disease Occurs in Adulthood
Over Two Thirds (67%) of Adult Pets will Develop Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease |
Annual Physical Examination
Immunizations based on Lifestyle
Annual Heartworm Disease Test
Intestinal Parasite Exam based on Lifestyle
Basic Blood Tests Yearly
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Home Dental Care and Professional Cleanings
Adult Diet Based on Breed |
|
Senior |
Weight Increases and Shift from Muscle to Fat Tissues Often Occur Due to Overfeeding and Decreased Aerobic Activity
Graying of Hair coat
Heart, Kidney, Thyroid, and Liver Disease
Diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes)
Osteoarthritis affects at least 20% of all Senior Pets
Begin Bi-annual Wellness Exams |
Bi-annual Physical Examinations
Immunizations based on Lifestyle
Annual Senior Blood Tests and Urinalysis
Intestinal Parasite Exam based on Lifestyle
Home Dental Care and Professional Cleanings
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Radiographs, EKG, Blood Pressure, and Glaucoma Testing every 12 months based on Doctor’s recommendations
|
|
Geriatric |
Senior Changes Accelerate with higher Incidences of Heart, Thyroid, and Kidney Disease
Most Geriatric patients will Develop at Least One Age-related Condition
Decreased Immune System
Cancer Incidence Increases
Over 50% Develop Osteoarthritis
|
Bi-annual Physical Examinations
Immunizations based on Lifestyle
Senior Blood Tests and Urinalysis Tests Every 3-12 months based on Doctor’s Recommendations
Intestinal Parasite Exam based on Lifestyle
Home Dental Care and Professional Cleanings
Monthly Heartworm and Flea Preventative
Radiographs, EKG, Blood Pressure, and Glaucoma Testing every 12 months. |
|