Dear Clocktower Clients:
At Clocktower Animal Hospital some of our patients have achieved POSH Status (Pets Over Seven Healthcare). When your pet reaches year seven you may begin to notice some telltale signs that he or she is entering the "senior" years. Maybe your pet takes longer to fetch a favorite toy. Maybe your pet has stopped greeting you at the door or takes longer to get there. Maybe your pet is "forgetting" house training. Perhaps you're noticing that your pet is gaining weight, has poor skin and coat condition or is sleeping more than usual. While these things may just seem like normal "old age" to you, the fact is that any or all of these signs might be an indication that your senior pet has a medical problem that needs attention.
In the past, we have often accepted a declining quality of life for our aging pets or for ourselves, for that matter is a fact of life beyond our control. Thanks to advances in disease detection and treatment, that is no longer necessary!
With appropriate veterinary care and nutrition, your pet's senior years can be a healthy and happy time. And you are the key to making this happen. You know your pet better than anyone, so it's up to you to report any changes you see to our veterinary staff. We also recommend that you bring your pet in for a physical examination and lab work more often now. Remember: your pet ages 5 to 7 times faster and, therefore, more frequent checkups are necessary. By working together, we can prevent or treat many problems that could rob your pet of their quality of life.
Now is also a good time to reassess your pet's diet. Proper nutrition is an extremely important factor in your senior pet's health. Dietary needs mirror the changes occurring in the body, metabolism slows and fewer calories are required. Just as we need to alter our diets as we grow older, aging pets should avoid excess weight gain. A properly formulated diet combined with a moderate exercise program is powerful preventative medicine for your senior pet.
By sharing life and love with you, your pet has given you a priceless gift. When your pet earns POSH status, you have an opportunity to give something in return: the special love and care that can make the "golden" years happy and healthy. We encourage you to make an appointment soon to discuss how we can make these the best years of your life together.
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff
We encourage you to view the following POSH information.
Caring For Your Senior Cat
Caring For Your Senior Dog
Caring For Your Senior Pet
Clocktower Senior Checklist for Cats
Clocktower Senior Checklist for Dogs