September 2014 News & Views: Senior Month

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Senior Care Matters

Why Us Seniors Need Special Attention from those we Love!

My Dad says that even though I just turned 7, and am now officially considered a senior, that I have LOTS of years left to enjoy my life. That’s because more advanced veterinary care and nutritious diets for pets have revolutionized life span for companion pets like me!

So, what should our human parents do to maximize our lives and improve our quality of life as we age?

First off human parents NEED TO BE EDUCATED. Please be aware that medical problems become problems for our health BEFORE they become apparent!

Did you know that IVS has created special Senior Preventative Care packages? The number one request IVS Vets and staff receive from human parents, is to PLEASE bring us in for an exam at least TWICE a year! Our Senior Preventative Care packages cost just $395.00 for my feline friends, and $442.00 for canines like me! These plans include two comprehensive visits within a year, and covers bloodwork, urinalysis, heartworm, fecal tests, and my favorite…a pedicure!!

So please help us live longer and feel better as we age!

Become an expert on Senior Care! Visit our website link on our website at http://irvinevetservices.com/irvine-senior-pets/

Did you know that our Vets at IVS have lots of ways to help with pain pets feel as they age?

Signs of pain/possible arthritis:

1. Favoring a limb
2. Difficulty sitting/standing
3. Sleeping more
4. Weight gain
5. Decreased interest in activity, play

What can you do??

1. See one of our Vets to discuss a diet change, for achieving proper weight and even mobility
2. Possible short term/long term drug treatment
3. Laser therapy! This really works!
4. Schedule more frequent baths or grooms-this will help make your pet feel more comfortable
5. Diet with special supplements that may decrease discomfort/increase joint mobility.

Join me in celebrating seniors this September at IVS!

Love and kisses from me, Lizzie!

p.s. Check out some of my favorite Senior Friends below!!!

Meet Some of Our Senior Pets at IVS!

Bree Booth
“Bree Booth is an 11 year old Chow Mix. When she first started coming to us, she was not very social, but today, she is ‘totally awesome’!!!
Through many visits and hard work on the staff’s part, Bree will now let us do anything we need to keep her healthy.
Her family ensures good health through regular checkups and necessary medical work ups.
She loves to come and just hang out for the day or board with us.
”
– Terri Spruill, Lead Receptionist-NP

Tiger Hull
“Tiger Hull is one of our feline senior pets at IVS Northpark. He is 12 years old, but doesn’t look a day over 8!
He boards with us, which gives us plenty of opportunities to check his health.
Tiger’s parents also get his necessary 6 month checkups so we can keep him healthy and happy for a very long time.
We just love him! He is so much fun.
“
– Sharon Freshour, Practice Manager-NP

Plato Wulbrecht
“Plato Wulbrecht is one of our senior pets and is 10 years old. Plato comes in for grooming all the time, which gives us a chance to ‘bond’. As a senior pet, his needs are increased, and his parents keep up with his regular visits. This helps us catch any symptoms early.
Plato is such a joy to work with and is always very sweet!
“
– Darlene Jimenez, Kennel-NP

Sadie Espinoza
“Sadie Espinoza is a 12 year old Shar pei. She is in poor health, but with her every other day visits for fluids, she is doing quite well with the palliative care.
We all love her! Her mom takes amazing care of her and makes sure she gets all the treatments she needs.”
– Steve Araujo, Technician-NP

When is a Dog Considered to be a Senior?

Pets age much faster than we do. As dogs move into the senior phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans.

The life span of a dog depends on its size or breed. In general, the larger the breed or size of the dog, the shorter the life span. Your dog is considered to be a “senior” at 7 years of age, although small dogs do tent to have a longer life expectancy than medium and large breed dogs. Since dogs age more rapidly than people (see age chart), dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Studies have shown that as many as 25% of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have underlying disease. Once signs appear, the conditions may be more difficult or costly to diagnose or treat.

Is your Pet Having Senior Moments?

Here are some signs to look for in my friends that may be signs of aging/illness:

1. Increased reaction to sounds
2. Increased vocalization
3. Confusion, disorientation
4. Decreased interaction with humans
5. Increased irritability
6. Increased aggressive/protective behavior
7. Increased anxiety
8. House soiling
9. Decreased self- grooming
10. Repetitive activity
11. Decreased appetite
12. Increased thirst/more frequent urination
13. Sore mouth
14. Reluctance to move/less tolerance of exercise

Meet Roscoe, IACC’s Superstar for September

Roscoe is a 2 year old neutered American Bulldog mix that weighs 53 pounds. Roscoe is a goofy, playful boy that is still a puppy at heart. Roscoe’s happy go lucky attitude is infectious and he would probably do best with an active family. Come on down and meet Roscoe.

Click here to meet Roscoe.

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