There’s a shift that happens quietly. Your dog takes the stairs a little slower. Your cat sleeps more than she used to, and the morning zoomies are a distant memory. It’s easy to chalk these changes up to “just getting older,” but age is not a diagnosis. It’s a life stage, and with the right support, your senior pet can stay comfortable, engaged, and genuinely well for years to come.
At Pawtown Veterinary Care, we take a whole-picture approach to caring for older dogs and cats in Bend and the surrounding Central Oregon area. Our veterinary services are built around the kind of relationship where we get to know your pet over time, which matters more than ever as they age. Owners of senior pets often carry quiet worries about what’s normal and what needs attention. We’re here to help you figure that out together, without the rushed, impersonal experience you might find at a larger clinic.
What "Senior" Means for Dogs and Cats
The age at which a pet becomes a senior isn’t the same for every animal. Cats are generally considered seniors around age 10, while dogs move into their senior years earlier, often between 7 and 9 years old, depending on their size and breed. Larger dog breeds tend to age faster than smaller ones, so a Great Dane at 7 may be further along in their aging process than a Chihuahua of the same age.
Common Changes to Watch For
As pets age, certain changes become more frequent. Some are subtle, and others are harder to miss. The important thing is knowing what to look for so you can act before something minor becomes something serious.
Common signs your pet may be entering or progressing through their senior years include:
- Slowing down on walks or avoiding stairs
- Increased sleeping or decreased interest in play
- Changes in appetite, weight, or water intake
- Stiffness or difficulty getting up after resting
- Changes in behavior, confusion, or nighttime restlessness
These changes don’t always mean something is wrong, but they do mean it’s time for a closer look. Catching early signs of conditions such as arthritis or cognitive decline opens more options for keeping your pet comfortable.
The Importance of Twice-Yearly Exams
Once your pet reaches their senior years, annual wellness visits are no longer enough. Most veterinary guidelines recommend comprehensive exams every six months for senior dogs and cats, even those who appear healthy. Pets age faster than people, and six months in a senior pet’s life is a meaningful window when conditions can develop, progress, or become easier to manage with early intervention.
According to research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science through the National Institutes of Health, geriatric animals now account for roughly half the pet population in the United States, with their numbers continuing to grow. This means more pets are living longer, and that more families need support in navigating the complexities of a pet’s later years.
At Pawtown, our senior exams go deeper than a basic checkup. We look at your pet’s weight, mobility, pain levels, dental health, and behavioral patterns. We ask questions and listen carefully, because the details you notice at home are often just as important as what we find in the exam room.
Diagnostics and Monitoring
Regular lab work and diagnostic testing are a key part of senior pet care. As pets age, their kidneys, liver, thyroid, and other organ systems can begin to function differently, and bloodwork is often the first place we see those shifts, before any outward symptoms appear. Our diagnostics help us establish a baseline for your individual pet and track changes over time, which gives us the ability to act quickly when something moves outside their normal range.
What Senior Bloodwork Can Catch
Routine bloodwork for senior pets typically includes a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis. These tests can reveal early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, anemia, and more. The earlier these conditions are identified, the more treatment options are available and the better the outcomes tend to be.
Blood pressure monitoring is also part of senior care, particularly for cats, who are prone to hypertension as they age. High blood pressure in cats can affect their vision, kidneys, and heart, and it often shows no outward signs until damage has already occurred. Catching it early makes a real difference.
Arthritis and Mobility in Older Pets
Joint pain is one of the most common issues we see in senior dogs and cats, but it’s also one of the most underreported. Pets don’t complain the way people do, so many owners don’t realize their pet is uncomfortable until the signs are quite visible. If you’ve noticed your dog hesitating before jumping, or your cat avoiding the spots she used to love, arthritis may be playing a role.
Managing arthritis in pets involves a combination of approaches, including weight management, environmental modifications like ramps or orthopedic bedding, pain management options, and targeted nutritional support. There’s quite a bit we can do to improve your senior pet’s day-to-day comfort when the problem is identified early.
Cognitive Health as Pets Age
Senior pets can experience a condition similar to human dementia, often referred to as cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Dogs with this condition may seem confused, pace at night, forget familiar routines, or show changes in their interactions with family members. Cats can experience similar shifts. Our blog on cognitive dysfunction in senior pets covers the signs in more detail, but the key point is this: behavioral changes in older pets are worth discussing, not dismissing.
There are supportive options available, from dietary changes and supplements to environmental enrichment that keeps aging minds engaged. Early recognition gives us more tools to work with.
Partner with Pawtown Veterinary Care for Your Senior Pet
Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer at Pawtown Veterinary Care understand that senior pets are often the most deeply bonded animals in a household. They’ve been with you for years, and they deserve care that reflects that history. Our team focuses exclusively on dogs and cats, which means our experience is concentrated right where your pet needs it. We see our clients as neighbors, not just names on a chart, and that relationship becomes especially meaningful as you navigate the health changes that come with age.
If your dog or cat is entering their senior years, or if you’re already managing age-related conditions and want a more attentive, personalized approach, we’re here Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We also offer financing options through CareCredit and Scratch Pay to help make consistent senior care accessible. Reach out through our contact page to schedule an appointment for your senior pet today.