Senior Wellness

For older pets (from about 7 or 8 years old and up), it is important to establish a baseline of health. We do that by offering various tests, such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC)—This measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your pet’s blood.
• Urinalysis—This detects the presence of substances that are not supposed to be in urine, such as blood. Urinalysis helps us diagnose urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney problems, etc.
• Blood chemistry panel—This measures electrolytes, enzymes, and chemical elements such as calcium and phosphorous. This information helps your veterinarian know if organs, such as the kidneys, pancreas, and liver, are functioning well.

Senior pets are expected to show normal signs of aging, such as less stamina, hearing and vision loss, and so on. Issues like blood in the urine, pain, or tumors can be signs of something more serious. Bringing your older pet in for a regular exam helps ensure the remaining years of his or her life will be the best they can be.

End-Of-Life Care

While we will do everything in our power to keep your pet as healthy as possible for as long as possible, we encourage all clients to be prepared for quality-of-life discussions with your veterinarian. At Bemidji, we provide end-of-life options without judgement.

Learn more about end-of-life care at Bemidji, here.

To schedule a wellness exam for your senior pet, call us at (218) 751‑2753.