Comprehensive physical exam
- Why it matters
- Detects lumps, dental disease, heart changes, mobility loss
- Typical frequency*
- Every 6 months
Senior Pet Care
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Age isn't a disease, though the senior years bring a higher chance of age-related conditions. Our senior program is built around earlier detection and gentler handling: more frequent exams, targeted screening tests, mobility and pain assessments and cognitive health checks. Dogs are generally considered seniors in the last quarter of their expected lifespan (which arrives sooner for large breeds), while cats are considered seniors from about ten years of age.
Proactive senior care
Recommended Senior Screening at a Glance
| Assessment | Why it matters | Typical frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive physical exam | Detects lumps, dental disease, heart changes, mobility loss | Every 6 months |
| Complete blood count and chemistry panel | Screens organ function, blood cells, blood sugar | Every 6–12 months |
| Urinalysis | Early kidney disease, diabetes, urinary infection | Every 6–12 months |
| Blood pressure | Hypertension is common and silent in older cats especially | Every 6–12 months |
| Thyroid testing | Hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs are frequent in seniors | Every 6–12 months |
| Pain and mobility scoring | Osteoarthritis is dramatically underdiagnosed, especially in cats | Every visit |
Complete blood count and chemistry panel
- Why it matters
- Screens organ function, blood cells, blood sugar
- Typical frequency*
- Every 6–12 months
Urinalysis
- Why it matters
- Early kidney disease, diabetes, urinary infection
- Typical frequency*
- Every 6–12 months
Blood pressure
- Why it matters
- Hypertension is common and silent in older cats especially
- Typical frequency*
- Every 6–12 months
Thyroid testing
- Why it matters
- Hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs are frequent in seniors
- Typical frequency*
- Every 6–12 months
Pain and mobility scoring
- Why it matters
- Osteoarthritis is dramatically underdiagnosed, especially in cats
- Typical frequency*
- Every visit
*Pets with existing conditions may need closer monitoring. Please make an appointment with one of our veterinarians for individual advice for your pet.
SENIOR PET EXPERTISE
Gray hair deserves the best care.
Senior pets are very special to our team, and we believe they deserve gentle, dedicated attention. Experience a more comfortable visit for your senior pet, with specialized expertise from veterinarians certified by the Senior Dog Veterinary Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a general guide: giant-breed dogs around 6–7 years, large breeds around 8 years, medium and small dogs around 9–10, and cats around 10. Since a senior pet can age the equivalent of several human years between annual visits, we recommend exams every six months in this life stage.
Slowing down is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Painful arthritis, thyroid disease, heart disease, anemia, and cognitive dysfunction all masquerade as “just getting old.” If your pet is less active, hesitant on stairs, sleeping more, is grooming less, or has a change of appetite or litter box habits, it’s worth investigating.
Yes. Cold snaps and icy environments are hard on arthritic joints. Modern options include veterinary-prescribed anti-inflammatories, monoclonal antibody injections for osteoarthritis pain, nutritional supplements, weight management, laser therapy and simple environmental home adjustments like traction mats and ramps.
THE ERA DIFFERENCE
Your senior is always the main character at Era.
Unhurried visits, with 40-minute appointment minimums. Undivided attention from our knowledgeable and supportive team. Uncompromising care, every day (yes, even Sundays!)
FEAR FREE® CARE
Vet visits that feel calm and comfortable.
We know the impact that stress and anxiety can have, especially on our senior patients. We give our veterinarians the tools and knowledge to be Certified Fear Free® and follow leading scientific and behavioural practices to help pets feel safer and more at ease.
Compassionate support
End-of-Life Care
Deciding when it's time to say goodbye is one of the hardest parts of loving a pet. It's a decision no one feels ready for, and you don't have to face it alone. Our team is here to help guide you, to talk through your pet's quality of life honestly and compassionately, and to help you understand your options so you can make the choice that feels right for your family.
When the time comes, we will do everything we can to make saying goodbye as gentle and peaceful as possible, giving you and your pet the time, privacy, and support you need.