Senior pets—dogs older than 7 years and cats older than 10—should be examined by their veterinarian every six months. This includes visibly healthy pets. Pets age faster than humans, so regular visits help detect issues early. Your pet’s senior care visit will include:
Physical exam — A nose-to-tail hands-on evaluation of your pet’s body systems
Dental assessment — A quick look at your pet’s teeth and gums to screen for dental disease
Nutritional consultations — A review of your pet’s diet, treats, and eating habits in light of any health changes
Behavioral assessment — A discussion about your pet’s at-home behavior to determine if they are experiencing pain, health issues, or sensory loss
Diagnostic testing and blood work
Diagnostic tests or lab work can detect health issues that may not be obvious from a physical exam alone, which allows the veterinary team to diagnose and treat your pet’s condition quickly and with greater success. During your senior pet’s visit, recommended testing may include:
Complete blood count (CBC) — To check for infections, anemia, and other conditions
Blood chemistry panel — To assess kidney and liver function
Urinalysis — To assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections or kidney disease
Thyroid testing — To screen for hypothyroidism in dogs or hyperthyroidism in cats
Blood pressure measurement — To detect high blood pressure, which is common in senior pets
Joint and mobility support
Arthritis is one of the most diagnosed conditions in senior pets, but early treatment can slow its progression, manage your pet’s pain, and help preserve mobility. If your pet suffers from arthritis, your veterinarian may recommend:
Joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin
Prescription medications to relieve pain and inflammation
Weight management to reduce strain on your pet’s joints
Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to maintain mobility and build strength
Enhanced dental care
Oral health is important at every age, but dental disease is more common in senior pets. Regular professional and at-home care can help prevent dental disease-related pain, infections, and tooth loss. Your pet’s care plan may include:
Dental X-rays and cleaning under anesthesia
At-home dental care, such as toothbrushing or a dental diet
Monitoring for signs such as bad breath, difficulty eating, facial swelling, or pawing at the mouth
Age-appropriate nutrition
Your senior pet’s nutrition plays a key role in supporting and protecting their overall health. Diet selection is especially important for pets with existing conditions such as kidney failure, digestive disorders, or arthritis. Based on your pet’s health and body condition, your veterinarian will recommend a diet tailored to their unique needs, such as:
A lower-calorie, high-fiber diet to prevent weight gain
A high-protein diet to support muscle mass
A therapeutic or prescription diet to manage any chronic conditions
Promoting and preserving cognitive health
Similar to humans, dogs and cats can experience dementia or cognitive decline that can lead to confusion, anxiety, and behavior or personality changes. Regular conversations with your veterinarian will help catch cognitive issues early. Your veterinarian will then guide you on supporting your pet with options that may include:
Prescription medications
Environmental enrichment, such as puzzles, toys, and interactive play, to boost critical thinking
Nutritional supplements formulated for brain health
Detecting and managing pain
Aging pets are more likely to suffer pain from arthritis, dental issues, or chronic diseases. Pain can severely compromise your pet’s quality of life and should be addressed through multi-step support that may include:
Prescription pain medications
Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, laser therapy)
Lifestyle modifications, such as pet ramps or stairs, low-sided litter boxes, nonslip floors, orthopedic bedding, and harnesses or slings, for mobility-compromised pets
Ongoing disease prevention
Senior dogs and cats still need protection from infectious diseases and parasites. Your vet will assess your pet’s lifestyle and recommend a tailored vaccination and parasite prevention plan, which may include:
Core vaccines, such as rabies for dogs and cats and distemper for dogs
Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Aging dogs and cats require specialized care and attention to support their evolving needs and help them feel safe and loved. By upgrading their routine care to include more frequent exams with your veterinarian, additional testing, and any needed treatment modalities, you can help them live their final life stage to the fullest.
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