Senior dogs and cats can have different health conditions than younger pets.  Some of the common diseases of a senior cat include kidney disease, cancer, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, dental disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and cognitive dysfunction.  http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/9-common-health-conditions-in-senior-cats

Common symptoms to look for in both dogs and cats is decrease appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, difficultly walking, difficultly chewing, diarrhea, lethargy, or vomiting.

Some common diseases of senior dogs include hearing & vision loss, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, different gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease, and dementia.  There are also other metabolic diseases that are common to senior dogs.  Here at Imperial Hwy Animal Clinic we can test your dog for these conditions and help give them a better quality of life.

Here is an interesting article from Hills Pet Food about common senior dog health care concerns.

Many senior pets are looking for homes and are overlooked for puppies and kittens.  However, there are many benefits to adopting a senior dog or cat.  Unlike a puppy or kitten they are already trained, and they have developed their personality.  They are less likely to chew up things in your home and most of them time are already potty trained.  The average life span of a cat is 14-15 years and of a dog is about 11 years, but it can also be breed specific.  Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones.

Adoption a senior dog or cat can bring joy and love to your family, and you can get the peace of mind that you are saving a life.