Senior Pet Care
Helping your pet enjoy a longer, healthier and more comfortable life.
Our pets are living longer than ever thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and preventative healthcare. As they age, however, their healthcare needs change.
Our veterinarians provide comprehensive senior health assessments, screening tests and tailored treatment plans to help detect disease early, manage chronic conditions and maintain your pet's quality of life.
When is a pet considered a senior?
Pets age at different rates depending on their species, breed and size.
As a general guide:
Small dogs: 8-10 years
Medium dogs: 7-8 years
Large & giant dogs
6-7 years
Cats10-11 years
Even if your pet appears perfectly healthy, many age-related diseases begin long before obvious signs are noticed.
Why are regular senior health checks important?
Pets are very good at hiding illness.
Many conditions develop gradually over months or years and owners often don't notice subtle changes because they occur so slowly.
Routine examinations allow us to identify problems before they become advanced, giving us more treatment options and often leading to better long-term outcomes.
A senior health check commonly includes:
Thorough physical examination
Weight and body condition assessment
Dental examination
Arthritis and mobility assessment
Heart and lung assessment
Vision and hearing evaluation
Discussion of behaviour changes
Review of diet and nutrition
Review of medications and supplements
Common health conditions in senior pets
Older pets are more likely to develop chronic diseases, many of which can be managed very successfully when diagnosed early.
Examples include:
Arthritis
Joint disease is extremely common in older dogs and cats and may present as:
Slowing down
Reluctance to jump
Difficulty climbing stairs
Stiffness after resting
Sleeping more
Many pets with arthritis can enjoy a much more comfortable life with modern pain relief, weight management, rehabilitation and joint supplements.
Kidney disease
Particularly common in older cats.
Early diagnosis allows dietary changes and treatment that can significantly slow disease progression.
Diabetes
Can cause:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Many diabetic pets live happy lives with appropriate treatment.
Heart disease
Heart disease often develops gradually and may not produce obvious symptoms until it becomes more advanced.
Routine examinations frequently detect heart murmurs well before owners notice changes.
Cancer
Cancer becomes more common as pets age.
Not every lump is cancerous, but every new lump deserves assessment.
Many tumours can be successfully removed when diagnosed early.
Hormonal disease
Conditions such as:
Hyperthyroidism (cats)
Hypothyroidism (dogs)
Cushing's disease
Addison's disease
can often be successfully managed following diagnosis.
Recommended screening tests
Many illnesses begin internally before outward signs appear.
Depending on your pet's age and individual risk factors, we may recommend:
Blood tests
Urine testing
Blood pressure measurement
X-rays
Ultrasound
Eye examinations
These tests help establish a baseline and may detect disease before your pet appears unwell.
Signs your senior pet should be checked
Contact us if you notice:
Drinking more water
Weight loss or gain
Reduced appetite
Increased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Difficulty getting up
Limping
Bad breath
New lumps
Confusion
Restlessness at night
Toileting accidents
Excessive sleeping
Coughing
Changes in breathing
Nutrition for senior pets
Nutritional needs often change as pets age.
We can help you choose an appropriate diet based on your pet's:
Weight
Body condition
Medical conditions
Activity level
Dental health
Prescription diets may play an important role in managing kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
How often should senior pets be examined?
Because pets age much faster than people, we generally recommend:
Healthy senior pets
Every 6 months
Pets with ongoing medical conditions
As advised by your veterinarian, often every 3-6 months.
Twice-yearly examinations are roughly equivalent to annual health checks in people.
Supporting quality of life
Growing older doesn't have to mean poorer quality of life.
Simple changes at home can make a significant difference:
Soft, supportive bedding
Non-slip flooring
Easy access to food and water
Ramps instead of stairs where appropriate
Regular gentle exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight
Ongoing pain management when required
Frequently Asked Questions
My pet still acts young. Do they really need senior testing?
Yes. Many diseases develop silently, and early detection often allows more effective treatment before your pet becomes unwell.
Are blood tests really necessary?
Not every senior pet requires blood tests at every visit, but they are one of the best tools available for detecting hidden disease before symptoms develop.
My dog has a lump. Should I wait and see?
No. Most lumps should be examined promptly. Many are harmless, but it is impossible to know without assessment.
Can arthritis really be treated?
Absolutely. Modern veterinary medicine offers many options including medications, rehabilitation, weight management, joint supplements and specialised diets.
Helping your pet enjoy their golden years
Our goal is to help your pet remain comfortable, active and happy for as long as possible.
Through regular health checks, early diagnosis and personalised treatment plans, many senior pets continue to enjoy excellent quality of life for years beyond what was once expected.