As dogs and cats age, their healthcare needs change. Senior pets may develop medical problems gradually, and early signs can be subtle. Regular veterinary exams help detect health concerns early and support a better quality of life.

At East Side Animal Hospital in Scarborough, we provide senior pet wellness care for dogs and cats, including physical exams, bloodwork recommendations, dental care, pain and mobility assessment, and preventive healthcare planning.

When Is a Pet Considered Senior?

The age at which a pet becomes senior depends on species, breed, size, and overall health. Large-breed dogs often age faster than small-breed dogs, while many cats may appear outwardly healthy even with early internal disease.

Common Senior Pet Health Concerns

Senior pets may develop medical conditions slowly. Regular wellness exams and diagnostic testing help identify problems earlier.

• Arthritis and mobility problems
• Dental disease and oral pain
• Kidney disease
• Liver changes
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease, especially in cats
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Heart disease
• Vision or hearing changes
• Cognitive or behavior changes

Signs Your Senior Pet Should See a Veterinarian

Some signs of illness can be easy to miss, especially in cats and older pets that gradually change their habits.

• Drinking more water than usual
• Urinating more often
• Weight loss or reduced muscle
• Reduced appetite or increased appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Bad breath or difficulty chewing
• Limping, stiffness, or trouble jumping
• Coughing or breathing changes
• Confusion, restlessness, or nighttime vocalization
• New lumps, bumps, or skin changes

Why Senior Wellness Exams Are Important

A senior wellness exam allows your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s weight, heart, lungs, teeth, skin, mobility, hydration, abdomen, eyes, ears, and overall comfort.

These visits also give you the opportunity to discuss appetite, behavior, mobility, medications, nutrition, dental health, and quality-of-life concerns.

Senior Bloodwork and Diagnostic Testing

Senior bloodwork can help assess organ function and detect health changes that may not be obvious during a physical exam alone.

• Complete blood count
• Kidney and liver values
• Blood sugar screening
• Protein and electrolyte levels
• Thyroid testing when recommended
• Urinalysis when appropriate

Dental Care for Senior Dogs and Cats

Dental disease is common in senior pets and may cause oral pain, bad breath, infection, loose teeth, and difficulty eating. Many pets continue eating despite dental discomfort.

Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s mouth and recommend dental cleaning, dental X-rays, extractions, pain control, or home dental care when needed.

Mobility and Arthritis Support

Senior pets may slow down because of arthritis, joint pain, muscle loss, or other medical issues. Mobility changes should not be dismissed as “just old age.”

• Difficulty rising
• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• Limping or stiffness
• Reduced activity
• Behavior changes related to discomfort

Pain management, weight control, appropriate exercise, joint support, and home modifications may help improve comfort.

Nutrition and Weight Management

Senior pets may need changes in diet depending on weight, dental health, kidney function, digestion, mobility, and medical conditions.

Your veterinary team can recommend appropriate nutrition based on your pet’s exam findings, lab results, and lifestyle.

Quality-of-Life Monitoring

Quality of life is an important part of senior pet care. Monitoring comfort, appetite, mobility, breathing, hygiene, interaction, and enjoyment of daily activities can help guide care decisions.

If you are concerned about your senior pet’s comfort or daily quality of life, our team can help assess your pet and discuss supportive care options.