Health needs can change when pets enter their older years.
Senior pet care is meant to maintain comfort, quality of life, and management of age-related conditions. At easyvet San Tan Valley, we take a proactive and compassionate approach to senior pet health. Our team partners with pet owners to form medical plans, monitor for early warning signs of chronic illness, and support the changing needs of aging dogs and cats.
What Senior Pets Need to Stay Well
Older pets require more frequent check-ups and thoughtful monitoring to stay healthy. Once your dog or cat reaches their senior years (typically around age 7–10 depending on breed/species), they benefit from semiannual exams and annual lab work to catch subtle shifts in health before they become serious.
During these senior wellness visits, we’ll assess everything from mobility and weight to dental health and internal function. If you’ve noticed changes in appetite, behavior, or energy levels, our veterinarians are here to consult and evaluate for potential age-related health conditions. You can stay ahead of medical conditions in older pets by acting proactively instead of reactively.
Arthritis in Senior Pets
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting senior pets, especially larger dogs and overweight cats. It’s caused by inflammation and degeneration in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Signs that your pet may have arthritis include:
- Reluctance to Jump, Climb Stairs, or Exercise
- Limping or Favoring Certain Legs
- Difficulty Rising from Lying Down
- Excessive Licking at Joints
- Personality Changes or Irritability
While arthritis is a chronic condition, it can be managed effectively. Our veterinarians can create a pain management plan for pet arthritis that may include anti-inflammatory medications, supplements, lifestyle modifications, and comfortable at-home solutions. We can also refer out for specialized treatment solutions.
Managing Kidney Disease in Aging Pets
Kidney disease is another condition that may occur as pets age. This disease can develop slowly, with early signs that are easy to miss. Recognizing the symptoms of kidney disease in pets means we can implement supportive care that slows progression and improves quality of life.
Possible signs of kidney disease include:
- Increased Thirst and Urination
- Loss of Appetite and/or Weight Loss
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Bad Breath or Mouth Ulcers
- Lethargy
While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, proper management, including prescription diets, hydration strategies, and regular monitoring, can extend the length and comfort of your pet’s life. For severe or rapidly progressing cases, we’re happy to provide referrals to specialists for advanced treatment options.
Support Through Our Care Plans
Caring for a senior pet can come with increased veterinary needs and increased costs. Our Care Plans for adult pets help by bundling routine services into manageable monthly payments and offering discounts on all additional services. It’s a practical way to support your aging pet without financial strain.
Maintaining comfort with senior pet care in San Tan Valley, AZ.
easyvet San Tan Valley offers senior pet care for cats and dogs in San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Pecan Creek, Johnson Ranch, Chandler Heights, and neighboring Arizona areas.
