Thrive Through the Golden Years With Senior Cat and Dog Care in Bloomsburg, PA

One day, your dog takes a little longer to get up after a nap. Your cat starts sleeping in a spot low to the ground. Maybe nothing seems wrong, exactly, but you can tell your longtime companion is changing.

At Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital, senior cat and dog care helps us keep a closer eye on those changes as pets age. Our veterinarians in Bloomsburg, PA use more frequent exams, diagnostic screening, and conversations about what you’re seeing at home to help older pets stay comfortable and active through their later years.

Has your pet reached their golden years? If so, contact us at (570) 784-6440 or book an appointment online to keep them happy and healthy.

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When Is a Dog or Cat Considered a Senior?

A pet’s senior years begin at different ages depending on species and size. Our veterinarians generally consider large-breed dogs senior around age seven, while smaller dogs and cats typically enter their senior years around age nine.

Those ages are guidelines rather than an expiration date on adulthood. Some pets remain remarkably active well beyond them, while others begin developing age-related changes earlier.

What does change is the way we approach preventive care. As your pet gets older, we pay closer attention to trends in weight, mobility, behavior, organ function, and other areas that may change quietly over time.

What Changes Should I Watch for as My Pet Gets Older?

Changes in movement, behavior, appetite, drinking, or everyday routines can provide early clues that a senior pet needs veterinary attention.

Some age-related changes may happen gradually. Older dogs and cats commonly experience changes such as lower energy, declining hearing or vision, dental disease, weight gain, and minor skin concerns.

Other changes deserve a closer look, including:

  • Behavior changes

    New confusion, restlessness, irritability, withdrawal, or changes in sleep.

  • Difficulty moving

    Limping, stiffness, slowing down, or taking longer to stand.

  • Changes in thirst or urination

    Drinking, urinating, or having accidents more often than usual.

  • Trembling or shaking

    Especially when it is new or increasing.

  • Seizure activity

    Any suspected seizure warrants veterinary attention.

  • Unexpected weight changes

    Losing or gaining weight without an obvious explanation.

You know your pet’s normal routine better than anyone. If something feels different, bring it up. It doesn’t need to seem dramatic before it’s worth discussing.

How Often Should Senior Dogs and Cats See the Veterinarian?

We recommend physical exams twice a year for senior dogs and cats. Six-month checkups give our veterinarians more opportunities to identify changes that may be easy to miss during the course of a full year.

Senior pets also have a greater chance of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and endocrine disorders. Some of these conditions may cause few obvious symptoms early on, which makes routine exams and screening especially useful. Your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule if your pet already has a chronic condition, takes ongoing medication, or develops a new health concern.

person touching the chin of a senior cat

What Happens During a Senior Wellness Exam?

A senior wellness exam looks at your pet from nose to tail, with additional attention to changes associated with aging. We want to know what we can see during the appointment and what you’ve been noticing during everyday life at home.

During the exam, your veterinarian may assess your pet’s:

  • Heart and lungs

    Listening for heart murmurs, irregular rhythms, and other changes.

  • Eyes and ears

    Evaluating vision, hearing, and signs of age-related disease.

  • Teeth and gums

    Checking for dental disease, discomfort, damaged teeth, and inflammation.

  • Brain and behavior

    Talking with you about changes in sleep, interaction, house-training habits, or cognitive function.

  • Muscles and joints

    Looking for stiffness, weakness, discomfort, or changes in mobility.

  • Body condition

    Tracking weight and muscle changes that can provide important clues about overall health.

And yes, this is also the visit where we want to hear about the odd little things you’ve noticed. A dog suddenly hesitating at the stairs or a cat choosing a lower sleeping spot may give us useful information.

What Lab Testing Is Recommended for Senior Pets?

Blood, urine, and fecal testing can reveal changes that aren’t apparent during a physical exam alone. We incorporate laboratory screening into senior wellness care so our veterinarians can evaluate internal health and compare results over time.

Our animal hospital offers both in-house and outside laboratory testing, in addition to X-rays as needed to survey the chest and abdomen. Available lab diagnostics include complete blood counts, blood chemistry profiles, electrolyte measurements, urinalysis, parasite testing, heartworm testing, and other targeted tests when medically appropriate

Your veterinarian will recommend testing based on your pet’s age, medical history, previous results, symptoms, and exam findings rather than treating every senior patient exactly the same.

As your pet ages, support them with guided senior pet care. Give us a call at (570) 784-6440 or schedule a wellness visit online.