Senior Pet Care

Helping Your Senior Pet Live Their Best Life

Comprehensive care designed for aging cats and dogs.

At Central Hospital for Animals Marion, we recognize the special bond you share with your senior pet. Aging can bring new challenges that require extra care and attention. Our senior wellness program focuses on early detection and management of age-related health concerns to keep your companion comfortable and active.

A pet’s “senior” years depend on their size and species. Cats typically become seniors around 7 to 11 years, while dogs’ aging varies widely by breed — smaller breeds often live longer, while large or giant breeds may show signs of aging much earlier.

Common issues for senior pets include:

• Loss of vision or hearing that affects daily activities
• Dental problems that can cause pain and lead to systemic illness
• Arthritis that limits mobility and causes discomfort
• Increased risk of diseases such as cancer and kidney failure

We take a holistic approach by providing thorough exams, diagnostic tests, and personalized treatment plans. This might include joint supplements, specialized diets, dental care, or medications tailored to your pet’s needs.

Recognizing subtle changes is important. Weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, difficulty moving, or cognitive changes all warrant attention. Our senior exams include bloodwork and other screenings to catch potential problems before they worsen.

Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is key. Less active seniors may require fewer calories, but nutritional quality remains vital. Mental stimulation also supports brain health, so we encourage play and enrichment activities.

Aging pets require more frequent veterinary visits, so we recommend scheduling checkups every six months. This allows us to monitor their health closely and update their care as they age.

At Central Hospital for Animals Marion, we treat your pet like family and are committed to providing the compassionate care they deserve throughout their golden years.