Geriatric Care

Geriatric Care in Pacific Grove, CA

Your loyal senior pet deserves care that keeps up with their changing needs. At Pacific Grove Animal Hospital, we recommend seeing senior pets twice a year for wellness exams and preventive lab work.

Understanding Senior Pet Health

As pets age, they become more likely to develop health problems such as kidney disease, arthritis, dental disease, and hormone (endocrine) disorders. Many of these conditions develop gradually, and early signs can be easy to miss at home.

Twice-yearly visits help us keep an eye out for early signs of disease and set up treatment plans before disease or discomfort reaches an advanced state.

What to Expect at a Senior Wellness Visit

Senior visits focus on catching changes early and keeping your pet comfortable.

A Thorough Examination

We examine your pet from nose to tail, checking areas that commonly change with age, including the eyes, mouth, joints, and skin. Learn more about our semi-annual comprehensive exams.

Preventive Lab Work

Lab work helps screen for problems like kidney disease and thyroid and adrenal issues, which can be tricky to spot without testing. Our in-house diagnostic laboratory helps us check on your pet’s health.

A Care Plan

If we find signs of disease, we’ll set up a treatment plan with you early, before it reaches an advanced state.

Everyday Care Guidance

We’ll talk with you about nutrition, exercise, parasite protection, and other ways to keep your senior pet comfortable at home.

Why Senior Pet Care Matters

Early Detection

Finding disease early gives your pet the best chance for successful management, often before it causes significant discomfort.

Comfort and Quality of Life

Arthritis, joint pain, and dental disease are common in older pets and can cause great pain. Addressing them helps your pet feel their best.

Care That Changes With Your Pet

Senior pets have different needs than younger adults, from diet to exercise. Regular visits help keep their care on track.

Senior Pet Care Considerations

• Time together: Spending time with your senior pet is one of the best things you can do for them.
• Eyes: Eyes can develop tumors, glaucoma, and cataracts, causing pain and blindness.
• Kidneys: Kidney disease is not uncommon and can cause frequent urination, discomfort, or even death.
• Oral health: Dental disease can cause bad breath, pain, and illness, and can even be life-threatening.
• Hormones: Thyroid and adrenal issues are tricky, and lab work should be done to rule out endocrine diseases.
• Joints: Arthritis and joint pain are very common and can cause great pain.
• Parasite protection: Fleas, ticks, and worms don’t slow down, even if your pet does.
• Skin: Skin irritations are very common, and regular grooming, baths, and treatments may be needed.
• Nutrition: Senior pets need a different diet than younger adult pets.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps maintain your pet’s weight and health.

Practice Highlights

• In-House Diagnostic Laboratory for preventive lab work
• Digital Radiology and Ultrasound on site
• Dechra Endocrinology Champion
• Continuity of Care with the same doctor and long-term staff
• AAHA Accredited animal hospital