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Senior Care

Older pets need more — and they deserve it.

Pets age fast. By 7, most are entering their senior years — and they need twice-yearly exams, annual bloodwork, and a vet who pays attention to the small changes. Our senior care program catches problems early and keeps your pet comfortable for as long as possible.

2x year
Senior exams catch problems early
Senior Screening

A 6-month check, with bloodwork.

Senior wellness exams happen every 6 months because diseases progress fast in older pets. We pair each exam with bloodwork to catch kidney, liver, and thyroid changes long before symptoms appear — when treatment is most effective.

  • Comprehensive senior physical
  • CBC + chemistry + thyroid
  • Urinalysis & blood pressure
  • Cardiac auscultation
  • Joint & mobility scoring
  • Cognitive assessment
  • Vision & hearing check
  • Personalized monitoring plan
Mobility & Arthritis

Pain isn't just "slowing down."

Pets hide pain — but slower stairs, reluctance to jump, or changes in posture are real signals. We grade mobility, x-ray joints when needed, and build a multimodal plan with NSAIDs, joint injections, supplements, and weight management.

  • Joint exams & mobility scoring
  • Targeted joint x-rays
  • NSAIDs (Galliprant, Rimadyl, Onsior)
  • Adequan & Solensia injections
  • Cartrophen & joint supplements
  • Weight management programs
  • Physical rehab referrals
  • Home environment guidance
Cognitive Health

When the personality changes.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (doggy dementia) affects nearly half of dogs over 12. We screen for it, rule out other causes (pain, vision loss, thyroid), and treat with diet, supplements, and prescription medications when needed.

  • Cognitive screening checklist
  • Differentiate from pain or sensory loss
  • Selegiline (Anipryl) prescriptions
  • Cognitive support diets
  • Supplement protocols
  • Environmental enrichment plans
  • Sleep cycle support
  • Family education & expectations
Quality of Life

The hardest, most important conversation.

When your pet has a serious illness, we sit down with you and talk about what their life looks like — the good days, the hard days, what they still enjoy. We help you weigh options, manage symptoms, and when the time comes, we offer compassionate in-hospital or home euthanasia.

  • Quality-of-life scoring tools
  • Hospice & comfort care plans
  • Pain management at home
  • Subcutaneous fluid teaching
  • In-hospital euthanasia
  • At-home euthanasia (when scheduled)
  • Aftercare options & cremation
  • Grief support resources
Common Questions

FAQ.

When is my pet considered senior?
Small dogs and cats: around 9–10. Medium dogs: around 7–8. Large and giant breeds: as early as 5–6. We adjust monitoring based on breed-specific aging — a 7-year-old Great Dane needs different attention than a 7-year-old Chihuahua.
How can I tell if my older pet is in pain?
Slower on stairs, hesitant to jump, stiff after rest, less interested in walks, irritability when touched, panting at rest, hiding more — all can signal pain. Pets rarely yelp or limp obviously. If you notice any of these, book a mobility consult.
Are NSAIDs safe long-term?
When properly monitored, yes. We do baseline bloodwork before starting and recheck every 6 months to ensure kidney and liver function remain stable. The benefit of pain control usually far outweighs the risk in geriatric pets.
How do I know it's "time"?
There's no single answer. We use scoring tools (HHHHHMM scale) and have honest conversations about what good days look like. If hard days outnumber good ones, or your pet has lost things they loved (eating, walking, recognizing you), it's a conversation worth having.
What's the difference between in-hospital and at-home euthanasia?
Both are gentle and the medical process is the same. In-hospital is more affordable and immediate. At-home is more peaceful, with family present in familiar surroundings — but it's scheduled in advance. We help you choose what feels right.

Caring for an older pet?

Book a senior wellness visit. We'll spend the time to understand what's changing — and build a plan that keeps your pet comfortable.