Senior Pets & Pet Loss
Medical care for your pet as they grow older
As your pet enters the senior stage of their life, we can advise on their changing needs and keep track of their health status. Our full-service team is here when you need us the most.
As they get older, cats and dogs have different needs to keep them healthy. Get high-quality emergency and sick care for your senior cat or dog when you need it. We’re with you every step of the way.
Aging pet considerations and resources
We recommend nose-to-tail exams at least every 6 months as dogs and cats get older. Generally starting around 8-10 years of age for cats and 6-8 years of age for dogs.
We recommend baseline metabolic screening and often annual or biannual testing for our pets as they age. Sometimes more frequent if we already have underlying disease conditions.
Why is this recommended?
Acknowledges and enhances the human-animal bond
Promotes early detection of abnormalities
Promotes optimal and individualized medical care that may enhance the quality of life and promote longevity
Helps assess and address: weight, orthopedic, behavioral and metabolic changes
Resources on senior pets, quality of life and pet grief:
Quality of Life Scale – A guide for the aging and chronically ill pet
AVMA senior pet FAQ - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Helping Your 'Good Old Dog' Navigate Aging - NPR Interview
Loving Care for Older Cats - Cornell Feline Health Center
“How will I know it’s time?” - Lap of Love
Pet Quality of Life - Lap of Love
At-home hospice and euthanasia services - Lap of Love
Losing your companion
It can be incredibly hard to lose a beloved pet. We share our lives and hearts with our companions and they’re always there when we need them. We understand the strong bond between you and your pet. It is a gift and we want to offer you all the support you need during this difficult time.
Pet Loss Support Groups: