Care that grows with them.
Older pets need a different rhythm of care — more frequent check-ins, earlier detection, and a little more comfort at home. We’re here for all of it.
When is my pet a senior?
We start senior-focused care at roughly half of the average lifespan for the breed — earlier than most vets, because early detection is easier and cheaper. Bigger dogs get there sooner.
Small dogs
Under 25 lbs
Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Mini Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Pug, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog.
Medium dogs
25 – 50 lbs
Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Corgi, Australian Shepherd, Standard Schnauzer, English Bulldog.
Large dogs
50 – 90 lbs
Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer, Husky, Doberman, Rottweiler.
Giant dogs
Over 90 lbs
Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Cane Corso.
Cats
All breeds — kidney disease is common and silent
Domestic short/long hair, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Siamese, Persian, British Shorthair.
Your senior wellness plan
Three things we recommend for every senior pet — the earlier we catch changes, the more we can do.
Wellness exam
Twice a year instead of once — a full nose-to-tail check including dental evaluation, weight, joints, heart, ears, eyes, and any new lumps. A lot can change in six months at this age.
Full bloodwork & urinalysis
Recommended for dogs and cats once they enter senior status. Catches kidney, liver, thyroid, and diabetes changes before symptoms show.
Imaging, blood pressure & EKG
Cats with kidney concerns, dogs with heart murmurs or arrhythmias, and pets showing new symptoms. Non-invasive, quick, in-office.
What we watch for
Older pets tend to develop the same handful of conditions. When we know to look, we catch them early — and there’s a lot we can do.
- Arthritis & lameness — the most common (and most under-treated) senior issue.
- Kidney disease — especially common in cats, often silent until advanced.
- Heart disease — murmurs, valve changes, coughing.
- Metabolic disease — diabetes, Cushing’s, thyroid changes.
- Dental disease — nearly universal by age 8 without care.
- Cognitive decline — disorientation, restless nights, changes in social behavior.
- Lumps & growths — any new lump on a senior pet gets checked, usually with a quick needle sample.
What you can watch for at home
You know your pet best. These are the changes worth a call — even if they seem small.
Drinking or peeing more
Early sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s.
Weight loss or gain
Especially if appetite hasn’t changed. Subtle weight shifts matter.
Slowing down or limping
Often chalked up to age — often treatable pain.
Coughing or heavy breathing
Especially at rest or overnight — can point to heart issues.
Any new lump
Growing, firm, or over 1cm. Quick check, fast answer.
Confusion or restless nights
Pacing, staring at walls, waking at 3am. Signs of cognitive change.
Changes in appetite
Suddenly picky, or eating less than usual for a few days.
Bad breath
Often the first sign of dental disease — not just normal aging.
Withdrawal or hiding
Especially in cats. Often means they don’t feel well.
Making home senior-friendly
Small changes at home make a big difference for older joints, cloudy eyes, and slower reflexes.
- 1Non-slip rugs on slick floors.Hardwood and tile are the enemy of arthritic hips.
- 2Ramps or steps to couches / cars.Jumping down is what usually hurts them.
- 3Orthopedic bedding.Firm memory foam supports old joints better than fluff.
- 4Elevated food and water bowls.Easier on the neck and back.
- 5Nightlights.Vision fades gradually; a little light helps them navigate.
- 6Keep the routine.Same meal times, walk times, sleep spots. Predictability is calming.
Pain and mobility support
Arthritis is the most under-treated condition in older pets. We use joint supplements, targeted anti-inflammatories, and non-pharmaceutical options like acupuncture to keep senior pets comfortable and moving.
Supplements we like for senior pets
These aren’t magic — but they’re the ones we see help the most, backed by real science. We’ll tailor a plan to your pet at your visit.
Joint supportDasuquin Advanced
Glucosamine + chondroitin + ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables). Our go-to for arthritis and cartilage health. Human-grade quality control.
OTC · Daily
Skin & joint supportWelactin 3TA
Advanced concentrated omega-3 (EPA, DHA, ETA). Anti-inflammatory for joints, skin/coat, kidney, and cognitive support — our most versatile senior supplement.
OTC · Daily
Liver supportDenamarin
SAMe + silybin. Specifically for dogs with liver disease or elevated liver values on bloodwork. Protects the liver from oxidative damage and helps regenerate liver cells. Often started when we’re tracking elevated ALT.
OTC · Daily
Injectable jointAdequan
Injectable PSGAG that rebuilds joint fluid and slows cartilage breakdown. Often life-changing for arthritic pets. We administer it in-clinic.
Rx · Injectable
Kidney supportAzodyl / Epakitin
Specifically for pets diagnosed with kidney disease. Binds gut toxins so the kidneys have less work to do — most useful in early to mid-stage CKD.
OTC · Daily
Anxiety & calmingSolliquin
L-theanine, magnolia, and phellodendron. Gentle daily support for anxious or restless senior pets — especially those with age-related sleep or behavior changes.
OTC · Daily
Not sure which apply to your pet? We’re happy to talk through options at your next visit — and skip the ones you don’t need.
VIPP & VIPP+ are built for seniors.
Everyday access to your care team plus deeper diagnostics for older pets — one predictable yearly price. Ideal for the extra check-ins senior pets need.
Unlimited access to your care team
Everyday access to Paw Priority — visits, calls, telemedicine, and direct communication — plus special pricing on acupuncture and dentals. One predictable yearly price.
- Unlimited wellness exams
- Unlimited phone calls
- Telemedicine visits
- Direct communication with the care team
- Special pricing on acupuncture
- Special pricing on dental cleanings
Everything in VIPP + senior diagnostics
Unlimited exams plus a full yearly senior workup baked in.
- Everything in VIPP (unlimited exams)
- Yearly bloodwork
- Yearly radiographs (rads)
- Yearly EKG
- Yearly blood pressure
Ready for their senior check-in?
Book a wellness visit or give us a call — we’ll build a care plan that fits where they are now.