Puppies

From six weeks to six months puppies are in a stage of rapid growth and change both internally and externally. Even though they are exploring more of their world it is important to remember that their immune systems are still maturing and getting stronger, puppies need special care to keep them healthy.

Puppies typically start vaccines between six and eight weeks of age, and continue every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age. Regular exams by a veterinarian to ensure their healthy development are critically important to young Pets. Comprehensive exams to test fecal samples and start preventive care for fleas/ticks and heartworms help ensure a puppy's healthy start. This is also a great age to start on behavioral training.

Adolescent Dogs

With some breed variation depending on size, after six months of age your puppy is now considered to be in the adolescent or teenage stage of their life. This stage continues until they are approximately 18 months to 24 months of age. Your adolescent dog continues to grow and mature during this stage and requires lots of time and attention from their Pet Parent. During this stage of development your healthy Pet should be on a schedule of comprehensive veterinary exams every 6 months while continuing preventive parasite control and polishing up on training.

Adult Dogs

A dog is considered to be an adult once the body has quit growing and all internal organs have reached maturity. Size and breed are important factors in what is considered to be the normal lifespan for any Pet. Knowing the common age range for your dog's breed and any health problems known within the breed are important factors in adequately addressing your Pet's changing health needs. To ensure a long and healthy life it is important that your Pet receives comprehensive exams every six months to ensure vaccinations, fecal exams, heartworm testing and prevention and flea control are up to date and appropriate for your Pet.

Middle Aged and Older Dogs

As Pets grow older they often become calmer and more sedentary which can lead to weight gain that was not an issue in their more active and younger years. There are a variety of common ailments like arthritis, especially in larger breeds, that your Pet may begin to show signs of. You may notice changes in hearing and eyesight that may begin appearing in middle age. Making sure you continue to get regular exams will help your veterinarian monitor these changes occurring with aging and make recommendations to prevent or control problems of middle age.

As Pets age toward their geriatric years the Pet Parent is key and must be proactive in helping their Pet move gracefully through life's transitions. Be on the lookout for changes in body weight, appetite, bowel habits or water consumption (increase or decrease). It is important to pay attention to and report any changes to your veterinarian as problems caught and addressed in the early stages are easier on both you and your Pet. Age is no reason not to investigate a problem and see what you and your veterinarian can do to help your four legged family member.

Geriatric Dogs

In these elder years it is important to recognize and accommodate any special needs your Pet has. These may include environmental accommodations such as heated beds, a ramp or stairs to help your Pet get into the car, special diets, medications, and more frequent veterinary exams. As a Pet parent it is important to you and your family that you do what is necessary to keep your aged Pet healthy, comfortable and happy. Regular exams are critically important and continuing to follow your veterinarian's recommendations which may include testing blood and urine and regular checks of the heart and lungs will help you achieve the highest quality of life for your Pet in their elder years.

Kittens

Kittens grow very quickly, gaining weight and changing shape. Healthy kittens are naturally curious and very active. Their immune systems are still maturing during the kitten stage of their lives and it is important to set your Pet up for a healthy and happy future.

Your kitten will need vaccines starting around eight weeks of age and continuing every 3-4 weeks, finishing the series when he or she is between 4 and 5 months (16-20 weeks). Your kitten will need regular veterinary exams not only for their vaccinations but to also screen for some feline viral diseases, intestinal parasites and fleas. From a behavioral perspective kittenhood can last 1-2 years.

Adolescent Cats

From six to twelve months your kitten has moved into their teen years or the adolescent stage of becoming a cat. They are still growing but more in terms of filling out their bodies and less in terms of length and height. If your Pet has not already been spayed or neutered it should be done ASAP since many kittens can become pregnant as early as five months of age. Neutering before your cat develops male behaviors like fighting or spraying (urine marking) improves the quality of life for everyone.

It is still important that they get regular exams by a veterinarian as they mature to ensure their vaccinations are current and that fecal checks, flea control, and any questions or concerns you have about your Pet can be appropriately addressed. Adolescence is a great time to address preventive measures for dental health as well.

Adult Cats

From one to seven years old your Pet is maturing from a young to middle aged adult cat. It is during this life stage many cats will have a decrease in their daily activity level and will become more sedentary. Providing stimulation to your cat and keeping them active with interactive play time is important. Pay attention to your Pet's food intake because the decrease in activity, sometimes because of boredom and the fact that your cat is no longer growing may cause them to gain unwanted weight. It is much easier and healthier to prevent weight gain than to get extra weight off your feline friend.

Continuing to take your Pet for exams at least twice a year, keeping them current on their vaccines and addressing any health issues early on will make these years happy and healthy for both your Pet and you. Good dental health care is one best preventive measure you can take to help your Pet into their later years.

Middle Aged and Older Cats

Between seven and twelve years of age your cat will be enjoying middle age. During these years your Pet may be vulnerable to early development of age related diseases. At your regular twice yearly exams your veterinarian will likely recommend screening tests to look for signs of changes in kidney and thyroid function as well as other changes including those to the heart and other major organs.

Your veterinarian will pay particular attention to your cat's dental health as diseased teeth and gums often affect other organs in the body as well as causing your Pet discomfort. There is no such thing as "cat breath".

Geriatric Cats

After age twelve, your cat is considered to be a senior citizen. Signs of common medical conditions during the later years include changes in weight and/or appetite, changes in water consumption and urination, stiffness and/or difficulty jumping. It is important to the health and happiness of your pet in their elder years that they continue to receive comprehensive exams and lab work to proactively in detecting and manage health issues common in elder cats. Remember that taking care of any and all dental health issues helps not only your cat's mouth but all other organs in the body as well. Healthy teeth and gums give your geriatric Pet a boost to good overall health.