Geriatric Pet Care in Bellingham, WA
Geriatric pet care supports your dog or cat’s changing needs as they grow older. At our veterinary hospital in Bellingham, senior pet care means more frequent checkups and closer attention to age-related changes. A little extra care can help your pet stay comfortable through their golden years.
What Is Geriatric Pet Care?
Geriatric pet care focuses on the health needs unique to older dogs and cats. As pets age, they become more prone to conditions like arthritis, organ changes, and dental disease. Senior pet care means watching for these changes early and adjusting care as your pet’s needs evolve.
When Is a Pet Considered a Senior?
Pets are generally considered senior around 7 years old, though this can vary by size and breed. Larger dogs often reach their senior years earlier than smaller dogs and cats. We’ll help you understand where your pet stands and what that means for their care going forward.
Why Senior Pets Need Extra Attention
Because pets instinctively hide discomfort, age-related changes can be easy to miss. A slower walk or quieter demeanor might seem like normal aging, but it can also signal pain or an underlying condition. Catching these changes early gives us more options to help your pet stay comfortable.
For this reason, we recommend more frequent checkups for senior pets, along with added screening tests. It’s not uncommon to discover a treatable issue during a routine senior visit.
Common Concerns in Older Pets
As part of senior pet care, we watch closely for:
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Weight changes or reduced appetite
- Vision or hearing changes
- Dental disease
- Changes in behavior or confusion
- Organ function changes, such as kidney or liver concerns
If you’ve noticed any of these in your pet, we’re here to help you find answers.
Supporting Your Senior Pet’s Comfort
Depending on your pet’s needs, we may recommend laboratory testing to monitor organ health, or pet rehabilitation to help ease joint pain and support mobility. Many senior pets also benefit from adjustments through pet food therapy as their needs change.
We’ll build a plan around your pet’s specific health, comfort, and quality of life.
What to Expect at a Senior Wellness Visit
Senior visits often include a more thorough exam and additional screening tests beyond a standard wellness visit. We’ll talk with you about any changes you’ve noticed at home and adjust our recommendations as your pet’s needs shift over time. Twice-yearly visits are common for many senior pets.
Trusted Care Through Every Life Stage
Families across Bellingham and Whatcom County have trusted us with their pets since 1986. Our veterinarians bring decades of combined experience caring for pets through their senior years. We’ll always explain your options, their benefits, and the costs, so you can make the best decision for your pet.