Senior and Geriatric Pet Care
While it can be difficult to admit our pets are aging, recognizing their senior status—and the changing needs that come with it—may be the secret to healthier, happier, and more comfortable golden years. As pets grow older, subtle changes in their behavior, energy, and health can easily go unnoticed, but acknowledging these shifts allows us to provide the proactive, age-appropriate care they deserve. With the right support, many senior pets continue to thrive, enjoying their favorite activities and sharing meaningful moments with the families who love them.
Recognizing the Signs of Aging in Pets
Dogs and cats are generally considered senior pets around 7 years old, and geriatric at 12 years of age. However, this varies by the pet’s breed, size, and overall health. Because pets age faster than humans, many pet parents overlook their pet’s changing abilities and needs. Common pet aging signs include:
- Slower movement
- Weight changes
- Decreased appetite
- Increased sleeping
- Difficulty jumping or using stairs
- Behavior or personality changes
- Vision or hearing loss
Senior and Geriatric Veterinary Care
Senior and geriatric veterinary care focuses on your pet’s risk for age-related issues like arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer. Through detailed exams and age-appropriate care, we can identify and address underlying or emerging problems and manage chronic pain. By supporting your pet’s overall health and mobility, we can help make their golden years the best ones yet.
Our senior and geriatric care services include:
Twice-yearly exams
Lab work
Diet and exercise guidance
Pain evaluation
Lifestyle modifications
Quality-of-life assessments
Proactive Monitoring for Age-Related Conditions
As pets age, their risk for chronic and degenerative diseases increases. Regular monitoring helps us catch subtle changes early—before they become more serious—and allows us to adjust their care as needed.
Age-specific screenings and evaluations may include:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Electrocardiograms (ECG)
- Senior-specific blood panels
- Urinalysis and kidney function tests
- Arthritis and mobility assessments
- Cognitive function evaluations
- Dental health checks
By tracking trends over time, we’re better equipped to provide timely interventions that improve your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life in their senior years.
Age-Specific Care for a Lifetime of Love
As the love between you and your pet deepens with every year, so does their need for more focused care. Turn to the senior pet experts at Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital and together, we’ll make every day the best day for your best friend.