As pets grow older, their health needs can change quickly — sometimes overnight. A dog or cat over 7 years old is considered a senior, and they deserve specialized attention to maintain their quality of life. At Alta Animal Hospital, we focus on thoughtful, individualized care for senior pets, helping detect changes early and supporting comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all “senior program.” Instead, our veterinarians tailor each visit based on your pet’s age, health history, and current concerns.
Senior Pet Care May Include
- Comprehensive Physical Exams: Thorough hands-on assessments covering heart, lungs, joints, eyes, ears, and oral health.
- Pain & Mobility Evaluations: Identifying arthritis, stiffness, or discomfort that may be slowing your pet down.
- Weight & Body Condition Monitoring: Tracking changes that could signal underlying health issues.
- Nutritional Guidance: Customized diet recommendations to support joint health, organ function, and healthy weight.
- Cognitive & Behavioral Assessments: Evaluating confusion, anxiety, sleep changes, or shifts in personality.
- Early-Detection Bloodwork: In-house testing with results in 30 minutes to screen for kidney disease, liver dysfunction, diabetes, and thyroid imbalances.
- Chronic Condition Monitoring: Ongoing support for pets managing long-term health concerns.
Why Diagnostics Matter for Senior Pets
You might wonder why we recommend bloodwork for a pet who “seems fine.” Here’s why it matters:
Many common senior conditions — like kidney disease or thyroid imbalances — show no obvious symptoms until they’re advanced. Early detection through bloodwork allows us to intervene sooner, slow disease progression, and keep your pet comfortable longer.
Additionally, if your senior pet needs pain medication for arthritis or inflammation, we need to confirm their liver and kidneys are healthy enough to process those medications safely. A simple blood panel protects your pet from unintended side effects and helps us choose the safest, most effective treatment plan.
Signs Your Senior Pet May Need a Visit
Senior pets may experience gradual changes that are easy to miss at home. Watch for:
- Decreased energy or reluctance to play
- Difficulty standing, climbing stairs, or jumping
- Changes in appetite or water intake
- Weight loss or unexpected weight gain
- Increased urination or accidents in the house
- Confusion, pacing, or changes in sleep patterns
- Bad breath or difficulty eating
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait weeks for an appointment. Our same-day availability means your pet can be seen when it matters most — not after the problem has worsened.
Supporting Comfort & Quality of Life
Our team works closely with you to adjust care plans over time, focusing on:
- Maintaining mobility and comfort
- Managing age-related pain or inflammation with evidence-based strategies
- Supporting healthy weight and muscle mass
- Monitoring organ function and overall wellbeing
Our goal is to help your senior companion stay happy, comfortable, and engaged — so you can enjoy more quality time together.
Why Choose Alta Animal Hospital for Senior Pet Care?
- Walk-ins & Same-Day Appointments: When you notice your pet struggling to get off the floor, you shouldn’t have to wait. We’re here to help.
- Fast In-House Diagnostics: Bloodwork results in 30 minutes means answers and treatment can happen in a single visit.
- Compassionate, Gentle Care: Our team understands senior pets need extra patience and a softer touch.
- Multilingual Support: We proudly serve our community in English, Spanish, Punjabi, and Hindi.
