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As pet owners, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring our furry friends are happy and healthy. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can sometimes be challenging, as they can't communicate in words like we do. However, animals do have ways of letting us know when something isn't right. Here's a guide from our team, at Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic, to help you understand if your pet might be in pain and what steps you can take to help them feel better.

Is My Pet in Pain? Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

As our beloved pets age, their health needs evolve, making preventive health screenings more crucial than ever. Senior pets, generally those over seven, are more susceptible to various health issues, and catching these problems early can significantly improve their quality of life. Explore why preventive health screenings are essential and how they can benefit your aging furry friend.

Top 5 Preventive Screenings Every Senior Pet Needs

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

As the weather warms up and summer kicks in, it's the perfect time to check in on your cat's health and routine. Cats are sensitive to temperature changes and seasonal shifts, so June is ideal for refreshing your feline care practices from hydration and nutrition to grooming and parasite prevention.

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.

June Cat Care Checklist: Summer Wellness for Your Furry Friend

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is offering a free 30-day pet insurance trial through Trupanion - no credit card, no strings attached! Just schedule a quick exam and activate your trial within 24 hours to get 90 percent coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries.

Free Trial Of Trupanion Pet Insurance

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South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is a longstanding fixture in the Woodstock community, known for personalized medicine, strong client relationships, and a supportive team culture. Situated in Woodstock, GA, we invite you to advance your career and enjoy Southern charm and hospitality. Our team values communication, respect, and doing what's right for patients, clients, and each other. Explore our open roles or reach out to learn more.

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Aging seems to bring with it a number of health issues for pets, including<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/woodstock-ga-veterinary-services/"> behavior issues</a>. As your furry friend grows older, keep an eye out for these common behavior problems that may pop up so you can get help for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior pets and house soilingAs your pet grows older, they may develop elimination issues and begin urinating and defecating in inappropriate areas. Again, osteoarthritis can cause house soiling, because it can be painful for your pet to navigate the litter box or the stairs to go outdoors or to posture correctly when eliminating. Other potential causes for this issue include <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/woodstock-ga-veterinary-services/">cognitive dysfunction, urinary tract infections or cancer, gastrointestinal problems, renal failure, diabetes, or other endocrine disorders</a>.&nbsp;Senior pets and disrupted sleep patternsYour senior pet may display a change in their normal sleep pattern, becoming more restless and anxious at night. Many times, this is caused by cognitive dysfunction, but an inability to get comfortable and relax also can be the culprit. Pets with heart or respiratory disease may find it difficult to lie down and breathe comfortably, while arthritic pets may experience discomfort when lying down for long periods. Pets with urinary, gastrointestinal, or endocrine disorders also may need to urinate or defecate during the night, when they could previously hold it. You can help your pet sleep at night by ensuring they receive plenty of exercise and attention during the day, and managing any underlying health issues.&nbsp;Senior pets and excessive vocalizationPets who were previously quiet, but have turned to excessive barking, meowing, groaning, or grumbling in their older age, may be suffering from a painful health condition. For example, osteoarthritis is common among senior pets and can cause them to vocalize their discomfort. Cognitive dysfunction is another reason your senior pet may be “talking” more. Although more noticeable in dogs, cats also can develop this behavior issue, which is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people.&nbsp;&nbsp;If your senior pet is exhibiting behavior changes, they could have an underlying health issue. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/">Contact our team</a> to schedule an appointment.

As pets age, behavior changes like house soiling, disrupted sleep, and excessive vocalization may signal underlying health concerns. Learn what to watch for and when to seek veterinary help.



Common Behavior Problems in Senior Pets

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Common Behavior Problems in Senior Pets

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