As pets age, they experience many of the same aches and pains as we do, although they seldom complain. Large dogs may no longer be able to get into your vehicle for a trip to the vet. Most cats disapprove of going to a veterinary clinic in general, but especially when they are old and easily stressed. Car rides can be painful and frightening to your furry friend, and a veterinary hospital can be terrifying for them. Mobile veterinary care allows your pet to be examined and treated in the relaxed comfort of their own home.
As a house call veterinary service, we can help identify areas in your home that make it more difficult for your older pet to get around. We can help relieve their discomfort by using medications, environmental changes, and alternative therapies where appropriate. If we are unable to offer a service ourselves, we’ll refer you to a preferred practitioner. We’ll partner with you to tailor a plan for their comfort that takes into account your lifestyle and the desires of your pet and ensure your pet the best life possible.
Assessing Your Older Pet’s Physical and Emotional Needs
Our geriatric mobile veterinary services encompass all areas of an older pet’s physical and emotional needs. This includes medications for managing pain, anxiety, and chronic disease, such as medication for arthritis and thyroid conditions. We also provide our clients with recommendations for pet mobility aids and changes in exercise and dietary regimens, resources for environmental enrichment such as special pet toys, referrals to alternative therapies, and suggestions for alterations in the home environment to maximize your pet’s comfort and life span. All geriatric care plans also include a Quality of Life (QOL) Assessment to help gain a better understanding of your pet’s emotional health.
As animals age, they can develop many of the same problems as people. These can include:
- Arthritis
- Internal medical diseases
- Cognitive decline
- Mobility problems
- Anxiety and depression
As your pet ages, you may begin noticing them sleeping more, having difficulty negotiating stairs, vocalizing more often, drinking more water, eating less or more, or exhibiting changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, less activity, and changes in appetite. Behavioral changes can indicate that your pet is needing more specialized geriatric veterinary care along with a professional assessment of your home environment to make life safer, healthier, and more comfortable for your older dog or cat.
Mobile Geriatric Veterinary Services
Visiting Vet can provide almost all of our clinical services in the comfort and familiarity of your home for a reasonable house-call fee. Our mobile veterinary services cover:
- Complete wellness examinations
- Quality of Life Assesment
- Blood tests
- Prescription medications
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Vaccinations
- Assessment of the home environment for the comfort, wellness, and safety
- Recommendations for mobility aids and toys for senior dogs and cats
- Recommendations for changes to diet and exercise tailored to the needs of aging pets
- Referrals for alternative treatments, such as massage, acupuncture, and herbal treatments
- Pet palliation/hospice care
- In home euthanasia services
At home examinations provide another benefit. When our staff visits you and your beloved pet in your home, we have an opportunity to make observations and recommendations about the physical environment which can greatly improve your pet’s well being. This is especially valuable for senior pets needing lifestyle changes in accordance with their current condition. Older animals frequently have difficulty negotiating stairs, getting into and out of their beds, or on and off furniture where they enjoy hanging out. By visiting your pet at home, we can help you analyze the physical situation where your pet lives and provide real solutions for improving the safety and comfort of your older pet’s life experience.
In-Home Geriatric Care Plan
2 hours (with Dr. and Tech) includes travel to your home.
Includes Quality of Life Assessment, a detailed review and plan of care
Comprehensive review of medical history and previous medications
Pain Management Plan with medication adjustments as needed based on our communication