Just like people, pets’ health needs change as they get older. Senior pets are more prone to age-related conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. With the right veterinary care, we can help your pet stay comfortable, active, and happy well into their golden years.
Our team creates personalized wellness plans to meet the unique needs of older pets. From advanced diagnostics to lifestyle guidance, we work with you to ensure your pet enjoys the best possible quality of life.
Regular checkups are the key to helping senior pets live longer, healthier lives. Since many age-related conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms, proactive care allows us to catch changes before they become serious.
Senior wellness exams often include:
Comprehensive physical exam
Blood work and urinalysis to check organ function
X-rays or ultrasounds to monitor internal health
Dental evaluations to prevent pain and infection
Nutrition and weight management recommendations
With routine monitoring, we can detect health issues early and create treatment plans tailored to your pet’s needs.
As pets age, comfort becomes just as important as medical care. Our approach goes beyond treating disease — we also focus on keeping pets mobile, pain-free, and enjoying their daily routines.
We may recommend:
Pain management plans (medications, supplements, or therapies)
Joint support through exercise modifications and mobility aids
Specialized senior diets to support organ health
At-home adjustments such as non-slip rugs, ramps, or raised food bowls
Environmental enrichment to keep minds sharp and spirits high
Every step we take is designed to ensure your senior pet continues to live life with dignity and joy.
Cats and small dogs: around 7 years old
Large and giant breed dogs: as early as 5–6 years old
We recommend checkups every six months, since health changes can happen quickly in older pets.
Arthritis, dental disease, kidney and heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer are among the most common age-related concerns.
Provide orthopedic beds
Use ramps or steps to reduce jumping
Add non-slip rugs for stability
Keep food and water bowls easily accessible
Yes. Just like in humans, a pet’s immune system can weaken with age, making them more vulnerable to disease. For this reason, we recommend that senior pets continue to receive appropriate vaccinations. Maintaining protection—especially against upper respiratory infections and other contagious diseases—is an important part of keeping your older pet safe, healthy and comfortable. We can tailor a vaccination plan based on your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle to ensure they remain well-protected without over-vaccinating.
While Edmonds Veterinary Hospital does not provide 24-hour emergency services, we want to ensure your pets are always in safe hands. For urgent medical situations outside of our regular hours, we refer clients to trusted local emergency veterinary hospitals.