Senior Pet Care
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Comprehensive senior pet care covering mobility, nutrition, cognitive decline, pain management, and quality of life assessment.
Key Information
What You Need to Know
Practical Recommendations
Expert Tips
Understanding the Research
Budgeting for Pet Care
Related Guides
Explore more of our comprehensive pet care resources.
- All Pet Care Guides
- Dog Health Resources
- Cat Health Resources
- Pet Care Tools & Calculators
- Find Local Vets & Pet Services
Where can I learn more?
AAHA senior-care guidelines recommend more frequent exams, baseline blood and urine tests, and a pain score. Cats hide disease, so a senior cat that is 'just slowing down' still needs the bloodwork. Dental disease and arthritis are the common findings.
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
Plan on every six months once a pet is senior, with lab work at least yearly and sooner if drinking or weight changes. Large dogs reach that stage earlier than toy dogs. The clinic can put the month on a reminder.
How can I save money on pet care?
The savings are a lean body weight, dental care before extractions multiply, and lab work that catches kidney disease while a diet change still helps. A basket of senior supplements without an exam is the purchase to skip.