Understanding the Needs of Aging Pets
As pets age, their needs change — and so should their care. At Parker Animal Care, we tailor wellness plans to support your senior pet’s health, mobility, and comfort through every stage of aging.
Large breed dogs may show signs of aging as early as seven, while most cats enter their senior years around nine. From routine screenings and mobility support to nutritional adjustments and pain management, our goal is to help your pet stay comfortable, active, and healthy for as long as possible.
We Got You, Austin — with age-appropriate care you can count on.
Caring for Your Senior Pet
Supportive, Preventive Care for Pets in Their Golden Years
As pets age, they become more prone to chronic conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, dental problems, cancer, and cognitive decline. That’s why regular wellness visits are essential for senior pets — and why we often recommend exams more than once a year.
Early detection is the key to helping your pet stay comfortable and healthy as they age. Routine testing gives us the chance to catch potential problems early — often before you notice any symptoms at home.
What to Expect from a Senior Wellness Visit:
We may recommend a Senior Wellness Profile, which helps us assess your pet’s internal health and detect early signs of illness:
- Full Panel Bloodwork: Screens for conditions like diabetes, anemia, kidney disease, and more.
- Thyroid Testing: Identifies hormonal imbalances that may be mistaken for aging-related behavior changes.
- Heartworm Testing: Performed annually, even if your pet is on prevention — rare breakthrough cases do occur.
- Urinalysis: Assesses hydration and kidney function, and helps detect infections or other hidden issues.
- X-Rays: Allows us to evaluate bone health, joint changes, and look for signs of arthritis or cancer.
If you ever notice a sudden change in your senior pet, please give us a call to let us know your concerns. Healthy habits such as exercise, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper nutrition can help your pet to stay healthy and happy into their twilight years.
Getting Ahead of & Managing Pain
Osteoarthritis and chronic pain are common in aging pets — especially in cats, where the signs are easy to miss. What may look like “slowing down” could actually be a sign your pet is hurting.
Pain often goes undiagnosed in pets, but it doesn’t have to go untreated. Whether your pet is already showing signs of discomfort or you're simply planning ahead, we're here to help.
With proactive screenings, tailored treatments, and proven pain management strategies, we focus on helping your pet stay mobile, comfortable, and active for as long as possible.
Learn more about how we can help your pet live out their golden years in the best comfort.
