Senior Pet Clinics
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As pets age, their healthcare needs change. Our senior pet clinics are designed to help detect age-related conditions early, so we can manage them effectively and help your pet enjoy their golden years.
When is My Pet a Senior?
Pets age at different rates depending on their species, breed, and size. As a general guide:
- Cats: from around 8 years old
- Small dogs: from around 8–10 years old
- Medium dogs: from around 7–8 years old
- Large/giant breed dogs: from around 5–6 years old
Senior pets benefit from more frequent health checks to catch problems early, when they are often easier and cheaper to treat.
Common Age-Related Conditions
Conditions we commonly see and manage in older pets include:
- Arthritis — stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, slowing down on walks
- Kidney disease — increased thirst and urination, weight loss
- Dental disease — bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling
- Hyperthyroidism (cats) — weight loss despite increased appetite, hyperactivity
- Heart disease — coughing, exercise intolerance, lethargy
- Diabetes — increased thirst, urination, and appetite
- Cognitive dysfunction — confusion, disorientation, changes in sleep patterns
- Cancer — lumps, weight loss, changes in behaviour
What Our Senior Pet Clinic Includes
Our senior pet health checks are comprehensive assessments that typically include:
- A full physical examination
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Blood pressure measurement
- Blood tests to check kidney function, liver function, thyroid levels, and blood cell counts
- Urinalysis
- Discussion of any changes you've noticed at home
- Advice on nutrition, exercise, and supplements for older pets
Supporting Your Senior Pet
There are many things you can do to help your older pet stay comfortable and happy:
- Keep them at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens arthritis and other conditions
- Provide soft, supportive bedding
- Use ramps or steps to help them access favourite spots
- Maintain gentle, regular exercise
- Consider a senior-specific diet
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups (we recommend every 6 months for senior pets)