Senior Pet Care in Bundaberg

Helping Your Pet Stay Healthy and Comfortable as They Age

Just like us, our pets’ health needs change as they get older. While every animal ages differently, dogs and cats are generally considered seniors from around eight years of age, with larger dog breeds often reaching their senior years earlier.

Caring for Your Senior Pet

At East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive senior pet care in Bundaberg to help older dogs and cats stay healthy, comfortable and active for as long as possible.

As pets age, they can become more susceptible to changes in their joints, teeth, weight, heart, skin and internal organ function. Some conditions develop gradually and may not cause obvious symptoms in their early stages, which is why regular veterinary health checks become increasingly important.

Our veterinary team can assess your senior pet’s overall health, identify changes early and recommend appropriate preventative care, diagnostics, nutrition, pain management or treatment based on their individual needs.

Laser Pain Therapy for pets in bundaberg

Senior Health Checks

Regular veterinary examinations help us monitor changes in your pet’s health as they age. Depending on your pet’s age and individual risk factors, we may also recommend blood or other diagnostic tests to assess internal organ function and identify changes that aren’t visible during a physical examination.

Dental Health

Dental disease becomes increasingly common as pets get older and can cause pain, difficulty eating and ongoing infection. Regular dental examinations allow us to identify problems with your senior pet’s teeth and gums and recommend treatment before they become more serious.

Arthritis & Mobility

Slowing down isn’t always simply a normal part of ageing. Arthritis, joint disease and spinal problems can affect your pet’s comfort and mobility, but there are many ways these conditions can be managed. We can assess your pet and develop an individual plan to help keep them comfortable and moving.

Weight & Nutrition

Maintaining a healthy weight becomes particularly important during your pet’s senior years. Excess weight can place additional pressure on ageing joints and contribute to other health problems. We can help you choose appropriate nutrition and weight management strategies for your older dog or cat..

Heart & Internal Health

Ageing can bring changes to the heart, kidneys, liver and other internal organs. Regular examinations and diagnostic testing can help detect some of these changes earlier, allowing us to investigate and manage health concerns before they significantly affect your pet’s quality of life.

Lumps, Skin & Coat Changes

Older pets commonly develop lumps and changes to their skin or coat. While many lumps are harmless, others require investigation. If you notice a new lump, a lump changing in size or appearance, hair loss, persistent irritation or other skin changes, it’s important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

Gentle, non-invasive support for pain & healing

Laser Pain Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can be used to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing process. It can be particularly beneficial for senior pets experiencing ongoing pain or reduced mobility, helping them stay more comfortable and active.

Laser therapy may be recommended as part of a treatment plan for pets experiencing arthritis and joint pain, muscle or soft tissue injuries, inflammation, post-surgical discomfort and other painful conditions.

Treatment is gentle and does not require sedation, making it a comfortable option for many pets. Depending on your pet’s condition, our veterinary team may recommend a single treatment or a course of laser therapy sessions as part of their ongoing care.

Could Laser Therapy Help Your Pet?

Every pet and condition is different. Our veterinary team can assess your pet, discuss any changes in their comfort or mobility, and advise whether laser pain therapy may be a suitable addition to their treatment plan.

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Supporting comfort & mobility

Joint Health & Mobility Support

As pets get older, changes in joint health and mobility can affect their comfort, activity levels and overall quality of life. You may notice your pet becoming slower to get up, reluctant to jump or climb stairs, or less enthusiastic about their usual walks and activities.

Our veterinary team can assess your pet’s mobility and recommend appropriate options to help support their joint health and comfort. Depending on your pet’s individual needs, this may include joint supplements and other supportive treatments as part of their ongoing senior care.

Concerned About Your Pet’s Mobility?

If you’ve noticed changes in the way your pet moves or their willingness to exercise, speak with our team about the options available to help keep them comfortable and active.

Senior Pet Health Checks in Bundaberg

Proactive Care for Your Pet’s Golden Years

Preventative care plays an important role in helping senior pets enjoy their later years. At East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital, we recommend regular health assessments for older dogs and cats so we can monitor changes in their health and provide care tailored to their age, breed, lifestyle and individual needs.

A senior pet assessment may include a comprehensive physical examination, dental and weight assessment, heart and joint checks, and discussion of any changes you’ve noticed at home. Blood tests or additional diagnostic testing may also be recommended where appropriate.

If your dog or cat is entering their senior years, or you’ve noticed changes in their appetite, weight, mobility, behaviour, drinking habits or general wellbeing, our Bundaberg veterinary team is here to help.

Common Questions

Find answers to your pet care concerns.

Feeding your senior pet a balanced diet is crucial. Look for high-quality food designed for older pets. Focus on ingredients that promote joint health and maintain a healthy weight. Always check with your vet for personalized recommendations.

To support your pet’s joints, ensure they maintain a healthy weight and engage in low-impact exercise. Supplements like glucosamine may also help along with Laser pain therapy. Consult your veterinarian for the best approach tailored to your pet.

If your senior pet shows signs of discomfort, changes in appetite, or unusual behavior, it’s time for a vet visit. Regular check-ups are also essential to catch any potential health issues early.

Senior pets benefit from regular, gentle exercise. Short walks or play sessions are a great way to keep them active without overdoing it. Tailor their activity levels to their individual health and energy levels.

If your pet is refusing food, it could be a sign of health issues or dental problems. Offer enticing, flavorful food or try warming it up. If the issue persists, seek advice from your veterinarian.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help you with any concerns you might have about your senior pet’s health and well-being. If you need answers to questions not covered here, feel free to reach out!

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Schedule Your Pet’s Health Check Today!

Your furry friend deserves the best care. Book an appointment with us to take advantage of our expert services tailored for your pet’s health and well-being. Let us help you keep your loved ones healthy and happy.