Senior Pet Care in Danville, CA
As pets live longer, thoughtful senior care helps them stay comfortable, active, and well-supported through every stage of aging.
Humans are living longer than ever, and thanks to exceptional veterinary care, so are their pets. While extended lifespans bring real benefits, they also come with health consequences tied to old age. Proper senior pet care, including the right food and exercise plan, helps your pet stay active, and a senior pet exam helps our team diagnose and treat age-related conditions early.
Common Health Concerns in Older Pets
Older pets experience many of the same health concerns as older humans, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney and urinary tract disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Bone disease
- Joint disease
- Weakness
- Senility
Only 14 percent of older pets undergo regular screenings as recommended by veterinarians, according to the American Animal Hospital Association — a gap our team works to help close for Danville pet owners.
All pets need the right amount of nutritious food and physical activity, but older pets have special needs. Aging animals often require food that’s more digestible; dogs tend to gain weight as they age, while cats tend to lose it. Learn more about age-appropriate feeding on our pet nutrition page. The immune system also fades with age, making senior pets more vulnerable to disease and slower to heal.
Beyond medical care, senior pet care recognizes and strengthens the bond you share with your pet. An animal can’t tell you that her hips hurt or that he has a toothache — senior care is one way of showing your pet you understand the aches and pains of aging and will help address them, whether that means dental care for sore teeth or dietary adjustments for joint support.
The Danville Senior Pet Exam
A senior pet exam differs from an ordinary physical exam by focusing on health issues common among older cats and dogs. This exam helps your veterinarian detect abnormalities early, when treatment is usually most effective, since many age-related diseases don’t cause symptoms until they’ve progressed. A senior exam promotes individualized care that enhances quality of life and supports longevity — your veterinarian may detect signs of arthritis, for example, and prescribe treatment to ease pain and stiffness, or catch cancer early enough to make a real difference.
Come Visit Your Local Danville Vet Today
Our office is conveniently located at 3436 Camino Tassajara in Danville, CA. We also provide senior pet care and many other veterinary services to pets in Blackhawk, San Ramon, Alamo, and Dublin, CA. Make an appointment for your pet’s senior exam today by calling Tassajara Veterinary Clinic at (925) 736-8387.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Care
At what age is my pet considered a senior?
Most cats and dogs are considered senior around ten years of age, though larger dog breeds may reach this stage a bit earlier.
How often should senior pets be examined?
We recommend twice-yearly exams for senior pets, since age-related conditions can progress quickly between visits.
What tests are included in a senior pet exam?
Senior exams often include bloodwork, urinalysis, and a thorough physical exam focused on joints, organs, and overall mobility.
Should I change my senior pet’s diet?
Often, yes. Senior pets typically need more digestible food with adjusted calorie levels; our pet nutrition team can help.
How can I tell if my senior pet is in pain?
Pets often hide pain well. Watch for reduced activity, stiffness after resting, changes in appetite, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
Are senior pets at higher anesthesia risk for procedures?
Senior pets require careful pre-anesthetic screening, but with proper precautions, many procedures remain safe and appropriate.
What can I do at home to support my aging pet?
Provide easy access to food, water, and resting areas, maintain gentle regular activity, and keep up with recommended veterinary screenings.
Give your senior pet the extra care they deserve.