Senior Pet and Geriatric Care in Springdale, AR
As your pet grows older, their health care needs change. Southwest Pet Hospital offers specialized geriatric care for senior dogs and cats in Springdale, AR , helping your aging companion stay comfortable, healthy, and happy in their golden years. Call us at (479) 751-5601 to schedule your senior pet’s exam today.
Caring for Your Senior Pet in Springdale, AR
Preventive medicine has always been important for our pets — but as dogs and cats enter their senior years, regular veterinary care becomes absolutely critical. Older pets are more prone to developing health conditions that can progress quickly if not caught early, including kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Many of these conditions can be successfully managed when identified at an early stage.
At Southwest Pet Hospital, we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with caring for aging pets. We know that your senior companion is not just a patient — they are a beloved member of your family — and we are committed to giving them the attentive, compassionate care they deserve for as long as possible.
When Is My Pet Considered “Senior”?
Pets age at different rates depending on their species and size. As a general guide:
- Dogs: Small breeds are typically considered senior around age 10-12, medium breeds around 8-10, and large or giant breeds as early as 6-7 years old.
- Cats: Most cats are considered senior around age 10-12 and geriatric at age 15 and older.
If you are unsure where your pet falls, our veterinarian can help assess their age-related health needs during their next exam.
Senior Wellness Exams and Diagnostic Bloodwork
We recommend that senior pets visit us at least twice a year, rather than the once-a-year schedule typical for younger adults. More frequent exams allow our team to monitor your pet’s health closely and respond quickly to changes as they arise.
A key component of senior care at Southwest Pet Hospital is comprehensive diagnostic bloodwork. Our in-house laboratory allows us to run detailed panels that check liver and kidney function, thyroid hormone levels, blood cell counts, glucose, and other key markers. These tests can alert us to early changes in organ function that may not yet be visible — giving us a window of opportunity to intervene before the condition becomes serious.
Senior exams may also include digital X-rays to evaluate joint health and screen for internal changes, as well as a thorough assessment of your pet’s pain levels and mobility. Arthritis is extremely common in older pets, and our pain management team offers a range of options — from anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements to laser therapy — to keep your senior pet as comfortable and active as possible.
If your senior pet has been slowing down, losing weight, drinking more water, or showing any changes in behavior or appetite, please do not wait to bring them in. These are often early signs of treatable conditions. Call Southwest Pet Hospital at (479) 751-5601 or contact us online to schedule your senior pet’s exam in Springdale, AR.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Care
When is my pet considered a senior?
It varies by species and size. Most dogs are considered senior between ages 7-10 depending on their breed size, with larger breeds aging faster. Most cats reach senior status around age 10-12. Our veterinarian can help assess your individual pet’s needs based on their age and health.
How often should senior pets visit the veterinarian?
We recommend semi-annual exams — at least twice per year — for senior pets. Because older pets can develop health conditions that progress quickly, more frequent check-ins allow us to catch problems early and respond before they become serious.
What does a senior wellness exam include?
A senior exam typically includes a full physical exam, bloodwork to assess organ function, a pain and mobility assessment, a dental evaluation, and a review of your pet’s weight, diet, and activity level. We may also recommend X-rays or other diagnostics based on your pet’s specific health status.
What conditions are common in senior pets?
Common age-related conditions in dogs and cats include arthritis, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism (cats), diabetes, heart disease, cognitive dysfunction, and cancer. Many of these can be successfully managed when caught early through regular senior exams and bloodwork.
My senior pet seems slower and stiffer — is this normal aging?
While some slowing down is natural with age, stiffness and reduced mobility are often signs of arthritis or other painful conditions that do not have to be left untreated. Our pain management and laser therapy services can make a significant difference in your senior pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Why is bloodwork important for senior pets?
Bloodwork allows us to evaluate organ function and detect changes in kidney, liver, and thyroid health before symptoms appear. Early detection of conditions like kidney disease or diabetes allows us to start treatment sooner, which typically results in better outcomes and a longer, healthier life for your pet.
How do I schedule a senior exam at Southwest Pet Hospital?
Call Southwest Pet Hospital at (479) 751-5601 or use our online appointment request to schedule a senior wellness visit. We are here Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.