Senior Pet Care
Specialized Care for Your Senior Pet
Your older dog takes the stairs one careful step at a time. Your cat has stopped jumping onto the windowsill. It can be easy to shrug and say, “He’s just getting old.” Aging doesn’t mean that every change should slide by without receiving veterinary care, however. Your pet’s needs change as the years add up, and their care should change with them.
Blue Lake Animal Hospital is committed to providing the highest level of veterinary services for pets of all ages. Senior pets often require specialized care that takes into account their individual health needs, and our team provides the services to help them live a longer, happier life. Whether you just adopted a senior pet or have shared a home with yours for years, we can help them stay comfortable and enjoy their golden years.
Who We Serve
Older pets show trouble in quiet ways, and many owners are not sure when a change is worth a call. We often help owners in situations where:
- Your pet is slowing down or having trouble getting around, and you want to know whether arthritis, pain, or another age-related problem is behind it.
- Your senior pet’s eating, drinking, or weight has changed and you are worried about an underlying health problem.
- Your senior pet is acting differently than normal or seems confused, and you want to know if there’s a reason why.
- You found a new lump, bump, or physical change, and you want to rule out something serious.
- Your senior pet is having bathroom problems or accidents, and you want to know whether these changes should be expected.
- Your senior pet seems healthy, and you want to keep it that way through regular senior exams.
If one of these sounds familiar, you do not need to wait for a “sure sign” of illness or another problem to come in. A visit now can give us a baseline to compare against later.
Senior Pet Care Needs & How We Can Help
Aging pets have so much love to offer. No matter how old or young your pet is, they deserve attentive veterinary care, and our veterinarians are here to help.
Older pets undergo a number of physical changes, both expected and unexpected. It’s important to differentiate what’s normal from abnormal:
- Increased vocalization
- Confusion
- Decreased response to commands
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Repetitive activity
While some changes are natural, others may be indications of a cognitive or physical health problem. With our veterinarians, you can better plan for, recognize, and treat these issues.
FAQs About Senior Pet Care in Michigan
At what age is my pet considered a "senior"?
This varies widely by breed and size. Generally, smaller dogs and cats are considered seniors around age 10, while larger dog breeds may be considered seniors as early as age 7. We can help you identify when it’s time to start focusing on senior care for your pet.
How often should my senior dog or cat see the vet?
A general recommendation is for senior pets to come in for an exam every six months. Pets with a chronic condition such as arthritis or kidney disease may need to come in more often. We will set a schedule that fits your pet’s health.
My older dog is drinking more water than usual. Should I worry?
A change in thirst is worth a call. Increased drinking can be linked to conditions that are common in older pets, including kidney disease, diabetes, and other problems. Bloodwork and a urine test usually help us sort out the cause. Keep track of how much your pet drinks for a day or two, and bring that note with you.
Is it safe for an older pet to have a dental cleaning or surgery?
It depends on the pet, but age alone is not a reason to skip care that your pet needs, and untreated mouth pain can wear any pet down. Before any procedure, we run pre-surgical tests in our in-house lab to check how your pet is likely to handle anesthesia, and we will go over the risks with you beforehand.
Should I switch to a senior pet food?
Not always. Some older pets do well on their regular diet, while others need fewer calories or a different formula because of kidney, weight, or joint concerns. Because needs vary, we look at your pet’s exam and lab results before suggesting any changes.
