As your dog slows down on walks or your cat starts sleeping through most of the day, it can be hard to know what counts as normal aging and what deserves a closer look. Senior pets often hide discomfort well, and small shifts in behavior, appetite, or mobility can be the first sign of something that benefits from earlier attention.
At Grace Animal Hospital, we understand how much your senior pet means to you after years of companionship. We are privately owned and family-oriented, and we see ourselves as your forever vet, not just a stop for routine visits. Regular wellness exams become even more important as pets age, because they give us the chance to catch small changes before they become bigger problems.
Most dogs and cats are considered senior around seven years of age, though larger dog breeds tend to enter this stage earlier, often around five years old, because bigger dogs generally have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Rather than relying on a single age cutoff, we look at each pet individually and track changes over time so we can catch concerns while they are still manageable.
Common signs that a pet is entering their senior years include a slower pace on walks, more time spent resting, changes in weight, cloudier eyes, or a bit more hesitation on stairs. None of these changes mean something is seriously wrong, but they are worth mentioning at your next visit so we can look closer if needed.
Senior pets benefit from more frequent monitoring than younger animals, because health changes can happen more quickly in the later years of life. We generally recommend bi-annual wellness exams for senior pets rather than the yearly visits that work well for younger animals, because twice-a-year checkups give us more chances to catch developing issues early.
A senior visit typically includes a full physical exam that checks joints, weight, and overall body condition, along with a conversation about nutrition, supplements, or medication adjustments based on your pet’s needs. We often recommend pairing this exam with diagnostic lab work to evaluate organ function, because bloodwork can reveal changes long before symptoms appear. If joint pain, mobility issues, or internal concerns are suspected, digital radiology gives us a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the surface.
Arthritis and joint stiffness are some of the most common concerns we see in older dogs and cats. If your pet is having trouble jumping onto furniture, climbing stairs, or getting up after resting, we can discuss pain management options ranging from weight management and joint supplements to anti-inflammatory medications or other targeted pain control tailored to your pet’s needs.
Dental disease is another area we watch closely, because untreated dental issues can affect a pet’s appetite, comfort, and overall health. If a tooth extraction becomes necessary, our team walks you through what to expect and how to support your pet’s recovery at home.
Kidney disease and thyroid issues also become more common as pets age, and both can develop gradually without obvious outward signs at first. Bloodwork during routine senior visits allows us to monitor kidney values and thyroid hormone levels over time, so we can address changes with diet adjustments or medication before they significantly affect your pet’s quality of life.
Some senior pets also develop soft tissue growths or joint conditions that require a surgical approach. Our soft tissue surgery and orthopedic capabilities allow us to handle many of these procedures without a referral to an outside specialist, keeping your pet’s care within a team that already knows their history.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association’s 2023 senior care guidelines, older age itself is not a disease, and practices that take a proactive approach to senior wellness can help pets maintain a strong quality of life well into their later years. We build our senior care recommendations around this same philosophy, focusing on prevention and early detection rather than waiting until a problem becomes urgent.
Alongside regular veterinary visits, small changes at home can make a meaningful difference for a senior pet. Orthopedic bedding, non-slip flooring, ramps for furniture or vehicles, and easy access to food and water can help reduce strain on aging joints. Keeping a consistent routine also tends to ease anxiety in pets who may be more sensitive to changes in their environment as they age.
We are always happy to talk through home adjustments during a visit, because what works well for one pet may not suit another. If you have noticed changes in your pet’s mobility, appetite, or behavior, mentioning them early gives us the best chance to address them before they affect your pet’s day-to-day comfort.
We know that caring for a senior pet can bring up a lot of questions, and we want you to feel supported at every step. Dr. Tiana Montell and the rest of our veterinary team have a particular interest in geriatric pet care, and we approach every appointment with a low-stress, gentle handling philosophy so your older pet feels as comfortable as possible. We also offer a 10 percent senior discount as a way to support the pet families who have trusted us over the years.
If your dog or cat is entering their senior years, we would be glad to build a wellness plan that fits their specific needs. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a senior wellness visit, and let our team help your pet stay comfortable and healthy for years to come.
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