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Caring for Our Senior Pets
Just like us, pets require a little extra care as they age. With dogs living an average of 10–13 years and cats 13–17 years, their time with us is precious—and we want to ensure those later years are as comfortable and healthy as possible. At Denton Animal Hospital, our senior wellness program is designed to help your aging pet stay active, pain-free, and happy. Regular veterinary exams are key to detecting age-related conditions early, when they’re easier to manage. In fact, consistent wellness care can help extend your pet’s life and greatly improve their quality of living. As pets age, they become more vulnerable to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, kidney and liver issues, and hormone disorders. Often, these issues progress silently, with few outward signs until advanced stages. That’s why early detection and proactive care are so important. Senior status varies by species, breed, and size—smaller dogs and cats tend to live longer than larger dogs. We typically recommend a baseline wellness exam and diagnostic screening around age 7 for dogs and age 8 for cats. These early tests help us establish a “normal” for your pet so we can track changes over time and respond quickly to any concerns. After that, more frequent checkups and diagnostics are advised to keep your senior pet feeling their best. Our team can also help with managing symptoms of age-related conditions like cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans), and we can recommend personalized plans for nutrition, exercise, pain management, and environmental adjustments to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Every senior pet is unique, and we’re here to support their specific needs every step of the way. Call us today to schedule your pet’s senior wellness exam—we’d love to help you keep them happy and thriving. |
Ask questions!- If something about your pet seems off, make an appointment to have your veterinarian examine and determine if there is something to be worried about or not. It never hurts to ask!
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Mobility Management for Senior Pets
As pets age, joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility often become part of daily life. Arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions are common in older dogs and cats, making it harder for them to move comfortably from point A to point B.
Starting a glucosamine supplement early in your pet’s life can support joint health and help reduce discomfort as they age. Many supplements also include beneficial ingredients like fish oils, which not only support joint function but also promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
To better understand what might be causing your pet’s discomfort, we can perform radiographs (X-rays) that focus on key areas such as the hips, elbows, and knees—helping us identify any signs of arthritis, inflammation, or bone changes.
For pets experiencing moderate to severe joint pain, we may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, MLS Laser Therapy for pain relief and tissue healing, or—in more advanced cases—physical therapy and rehabilitation to improve mobility and quality of life.
Our goal is to keep your pet as comfortable, active, and happy as possible, no matter their age.
Bloodwork and Health Monitoring
Routine bloodwork is important for pets of all ages—but it becomes even more valuable as your pet gets older. For senior pets, we recommend running bloodwork every 6 to 12 months to help us stay ahead of any health concerns and track changes over time. Comprehensive blood panels give us a detailed picture of your pet’s internal health, including organ function (such as kidneys, liver, and thyroid), blood cell counts, and, when combined with urinalysis, insights into hydration, infection risk, and metabolic function. Early detection is key. By identifying changes or abnormalities before symptoms appear, we can often begin treatment earlier and improve your pet’s long-term outlook. We also use bloodwork to monitor pets on long-term medications, ensuring their bodies are handling treatment safely and effectively. For your convenience, we can perform many tests in-house with same-day results, or send samples to a trusted reference lab for more comprehensive analysis. Keeping your pet healthy starts on the inside—ask us about scheduling routine bloodwork as part of their wellness plan. |
Radiographs (X-Rays)
Annual radiographs are a valuable part of monitoring your pet’s internal health—especially as they age. By focusing on the chest and abdomen, we can assess the size, shape, and density of internal organs to ensure everything appears normal and functioning properly. Radiographs also allow us to screen for neoplasia (tumors). Detecting any abnormal growths—whether benign or potentially cancerous—as early as possible is critical, particularly in the chest or abdominal cavity where they can impact vital organ function. Even non-cancerous tumors can interfere with how organs work, so identifying changes early gives us the best chance to diagnose, treat, and manage any condition effectively. Regular imaging helps us catch concerns before they become serious, giving your pet the best opportunity for a healthy, comfortable life. |
Other Helpful Diagnostics and reminders:
Routine Wellness Exams
While older pets may not need vaccines as frequently, regular checkups are still essential. We recommend wellness exams every 6 to 12 months for senior pets. These visits allow us to monitor changes in weight, appearance, and physical condition over time—helping us detect subtle shifts that may signal underlying health concerns.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Monitoring
Using a specialized tool called the Tonovet, we measure the pressure inside your pet’s eyes to screen for abnormalities. This test is especially useful in identifying or ruling out conditions like glaucoma, which can cause discomfort and vision loss if left untreated.
Year-Round Prevention
Just because your pet is older doesn’t mean they’re less at risk for parasites. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks don’t discriminate by age—and senior pets are actually more vulnerable to complications from diseases like heartworm. Continuing monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention is vital for your pet’s safety. Don’t forget to keep their annual heartworm test up to date as well.
Routine Wellness Exams
While older pets may not need vaccines as frequently, regular checkups are still essential. We recommend wellness exams every 6 to 12 months for senior pets. These visits allow us to monitor changes in weight, appearance, and physical condition over time—helping us detect subtle shifts that may signal underlying health concerns.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Monitoring
Using a specialized tool called the Tonovet, we measure the pressure inside your pet’s eyes to screen for abnormalities. This test is especially useful in identifying or ruling out conditions like glaucoma, which can cause discomfort and vision loss if left untreated.
Year-Round Prevention
Just because your pet is older doesn’t mean they’re less at risk for parasites. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks don’t discriminate by age—and senior pets are actually more vulnerable to complications from diseases like heartworm. Continuing monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention is vital for your pet’s safety. Don’t forget to keep their annual heartworm test up to date as well.