Aging Pets

The unfortunate part of being a pet owner is that there will come a time to say goodbye to our loved furry family member. Each situation differs from the next, and is a personal decision, when this time comes, we at Talbot Animal Clinic will help you through this decision.

What is euthanasia and how do I know when this should happen?

Euthanasia is done by a veterinarian and involves the administration of a drug that ends your pet’s life. It is a personal decision when the time is right, as veterinary professionals we will discuss the issues with you to aid in this decision. We focus on the quality of life and provide you information to allow you to make the best choice.

How is the drug administered?

An intravenous catheter is placed, typically in the front leg, and the drug is given through there. It is pain-free to give your pet as much comfort as possible.

How much does euthanasia cost?

The cost will vary depending on your wishes, you may call our office to discuss options and pricing.

Do you have bereavement counselling?

At the time of the euthanasia we will offer support and resources if needed.

Our senior pets deal with many changes as they age, and we aim to help you and them deal with these changes. We want to give them a pain-free life for as long as possible.

What makes my pet a senior?

For most pets, being classified as a senior happens around 6-8 years of age, though some smaller dog breeds age slower than larger breeds. For most, a senior dog is about 7 years old and a senior cat is over 8 years old.

What health issues might my pet experience in their older age?

As they age, pets are more at risk for liver and kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorders, dental disease, and muscle and joint issues. Pets often hide their pain and you may only see subtle signs such as decreased activity, or reluctance to play or climb for some of these ailments.

How do I care for a senior pet?

Making sure that you bring your senior pet in for regular wellness exams is important in ensuring that they are healthy and pain-free. We often advice that checkups switch to twice a year so that subtle signs of problems are not being missed before they become more serious.

Proper nutrition is incredibly important for our pets at all ages, and especially as they age and their activity levels change. An overweight pet has increased risks for diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease, and more.

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

The main way we determine if a pet is overweight is by scoring their body condition, typically on a 1- 5 scale where 1 is emaciated and 5 is obese. Ideally, our pets are scored at a 3, meaning we can feel their ribs, and their waist is visible with a tucked in abdomen. There are some behaviours that you may see if your pet is overweight which includes an inability to jump, increased sleeping, and losing their breath.

How do I help my pet lose weight?

To start, a nutrition consult with a veterinarian may be needed to assess what your pet is eating, and how much. From there they can help to determine what they proper diet is, or if they need a specific weight management food.

What is a nutritional consultation?

This type of consult involves discussing with the veterinarian what your pets eating and activity levels are. It further includes a physical assessment of their body and determining their ideal weight. They may then recommend a diet food and go through instructions for changing to that diet. During their weight loss it is important to regularly weight them and discuss any issues.