Senior dogs and cats comprise a substantial 44% of the pet population, yet a startling statistic reveals that only 1.34% of cats received blood pressure (BP) assessments over two years in primary care clinics in the UK. Often, hypertension is only diagnosed when cats exhibit signs of Target Organ Damage (TOD) or are being monitored for other diseases, not during standard 'geriatric health checks.'
This disparity underscores the vital need for establishing dedicated senior health clinics. Far from being just a compassionate addition to veterinary services, these clinics are a smart business strategy, essential for delivering comprehensive preventative healthcare to this significant segment of the pet population.
There's a marked difference in how pet owners perceive health checks for senior pets compared to the more enthusiastic approach they adopt for kittens and puppies. This divergence highlights a crucial area for veterinary practices: the need to educate pet owners about age-related diseases and the significance of regular screenings for their aging companions.
The success of these clinics hinges on bridging this gap in perception and engagement. By emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures and educating pet owners about the specific needs of senior pets, veterinary practices can significantly enhance the quality of life for these animals while also positioning their clinic as a leader in comprehensive pet care.
Building a Senior-Friendly Veterinary Practice: A Guide for Teams
Creating a veterinary practice that not only accommodates but actively welcomes senior pets is crucial in providing comprehensive care. Here’s how your team can become advocates for the well-being of senior pets:
Understand that caring for senior pets involves a multifaceted approach. This includes:
- Stay updated on the latest treatments and procedures that benefit older pets.
- Recognize and address behavioral changes that come with aging.
- Be vigilant about diseases that commonly occur together in senior pets.
- Suggest changes in the home that can make daily life easier and safer for older pets.
Enhancing Appointments for Senior Pets
To ensure that senior pets receive the best possible care during their appointments, veterinary practices should consider implementing the following strategies:
Allocate Additional Time:
Recognize that appointments for senior pets might need more time. This allows for comprehensive examinations and detailed discussions with pet owners, ensuring no aspect of the pet's health is overlooked.
Enhanced Training in Ocular Assessments:
Eye examinations are key in confirming diagnoses of various diseases, for example, systemic hypertension. However, many professionals lack confidence in this area, highlighting an urgent need for more comprehensive training.
Cost Considerations:
From the pet owner’s perspective, the cost is a significant barrier. Incorporating age-specific assessments into standard consultation fees and employing nurses/technicians for these checks could make them more accessible and regular.
Set Clear Expectations with Clients:
Maintain open and honest communication about the health progression of their senior pets. Discuss potential developments, treatment options, and what owners can realistically expect. This transparency helps build trust and prepares pet owners for future possibilities.
Provide Educational Resources:
Supply pet owners with handouts and direct them to reliable online resources. These materials should offer insights into caring for senior pets and managing their specific health needs. If abnormalities are found during the checkup, prioritize delivering this information with compassion and clarity.
Offer Follow-Up Support:
Acknowledge that receiving news about a pet's declining health can be distressing for owners. Offer additional support and follow-up consultations to address any questions or concerns they may have post-appointment. This approach not only helps in managing the pet's health better but also demonstrates your practice’s commitment to compassionate care for senior pets and their owner.
Showcasing Your Practice’s Focus on Senior Pet Care
Elevate your practice's commitment to senior pet care by effectively communicating this dedication both in your clinic and through online platforms:
End-of-Life Care Information:
Enhance your website with a special section dedicated to end-of-life care, providing essential guidance and support. This area can serve as a valuable resource for pet owners navigating the challenges of their pet’s final stages of life.
Visual Representation:
Audit your website’s imagery and ensure that at least 30% of the photos represent senior pets. This visual commitment underscores your practice’s dedication to the care and well-being of older pets.
Showcase Practice Innovations:
Utilize your website and social media platforms to showcase the senior-friendly changes and innovations you’ve introduced in your practice. Sharing videos and photos of these adaptations helps demonstrate your proactive approach to senior pet care.
Celebrating Health and Encouraging Proactive Care
When senior pets are found to be in good health, it’s important to share this positive news with pet owners. Use these moments to emphasize the importance of regular health checks for aging pets. Educate pet owners about the signs of aging and potential diseases, and offer advice on adapting their homes to be more accommodating for senior pets.
Solidifying Your Practice's Commitment to Senior Pet Care with AIV
Vet's Expertise
Incorporating these strategies, your veterinary practice not only enhances the health and wellbeing of senior patients but also forges stronger relationships with clients. As you focus on providing specialized care for aging pets, remember that having reliable and high-quality medical equipment is vital.
This is where AIV Vet steps in, bringing our expertise in infusion pump repair and maintenance directly to your practice. We offer a range of both new and patient-ready used pumps that meet stringent factory performance standards. Our commitment to cost-effective solutions without compromising quality is evident in our use of AIV-manufactured replacement parts.
Our product lineup is designed to keep your veterinary practice operating seamlessly. From essential accessories like power cords and AC adapters to our in-house manufactured VetroCRI veterinary syringe pump, IVetMATE IV fluid warmer and PowerMATE® relocation power solutions, we provide the tools necessary for modern veterinary care.
At AIV Vet, we adhere to rigorous quality control standards, positioning ourselves as more than just a supplier. We are a crucial component of your risk management strategy, offering services and products that are tailored to enhance the longevity and efficiency of your medical equipment. By partnering with us, your practice is equipped to operate at its peak, ensuring that you can provide the best possible care for all pets, especially the cherished senior members of the animal family.
Source:
Understanding the barriers to blood pressure assessment in cats (n.d.) by Saje Journals
AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (n.d.) by AAHA