senior dog and cat preventive care

Here’s what to know about caring for your sweet elder pup or cat.

Being a senior isn't a disease! But it is a life stage that brings new health risks. With the right preventive care, you can help your older pet stay their happiest and healthiest.

Explore Optimum Wellness Plans^® for seniors

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Preventive care for seniors

Comprehensive exams
Diagnostic testing
Vaccinations
Parasite control
Diet

Worried about your older pet’s health?

Caring for a senior pet isn’t that different from caring for an adult pet. While aging itself isn’t a disease, seniors are at higher risk for age-related health conditions. In this life stage, it’s important to keep up on preventive care so you can stay ahead of age-related issues.

Why preventive care matters more for seniors

As pets age, they become more vulnerable to chronic conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, heart problems, and cognitive decline. Symptoms might not be easy to see, and older pets can have a faster decline. Preventive care — including regular vet checkups, blood work, dental cleanings, and screenings — helps catch these issues early, when they're often easier (and less expensive) to manage.

Catch issues early with twice-yearly vet exams
Senior pets should go to the vet at least twice a year for a comprehensive exam. This helps us detect any health issues or changes early, so we can address them without delay.

Comprehensive exams typically include an oral exam, abdominal palpation, and orthopedic evaluation. We will also want to know about your pet’s mobility at home to help spot beginning signs of mobility issues and arthritis.

What health issues can we catch early with testing?
When it comes to recommended diagnostic testing, senior dog or cat recommendations are more robust than adult dog or cat recommendations.

What tests does a senior dog really need?

Fecal testing for parasites: two times a year
Tick-borne disease: annually
Heartworm: annually
Complete blood count: every six months
Chemistry panel: every six months
Urinalysis: every six months
T4 testing to check for thyroid issues and facilitate early intervention: annually
SDMA to monitor kidney and heart function: every six months
Blood pressure: every six months

What testing does an older cat need?

Complete blood count: every six months
Serum biochemistry panel: every six months
Urinalysis: every six months
T4 testing to check for thyroid issues and facilitate early intervention: annually
SDMA to monitor kidney and heart function: every six months
Blood pressure: every six months

Do older dogs and cats still need vaccinations?
They sure do, but talk to your vet to see which ones they recommend. They may reduce some based on your pet’s current lifestyle. Vaccinations are especially important at this life stage, because your senior pet’s immune system may be compromised by age. If your senior dog or cat were to catch an infectious disease, it may be more difficult to fight off.

Do senior pets need parasite and flea control?
Yes! In fact, senior pets sometimes have weaker immune systems, which can make it tougher to fight infections or secondary issues. Please make sure to continue administering flea, parasite, and tick prevention even if your senior pet is mainly homebound.

How do you check a senior dog’s or cat’s health? How do I know if my dog or cat is in pain?
Caring for your senior pet (or pet of any age!) takes a solid partnership between you and your vet. Since you spend the most time with your pet, it’s important to keep an eye on any health or behavioral changes and relay this info to your vet.

Some signs to look out for are:

Changes in how they move or reluctance to get up
Behavioral shifts like withdrawing or being grumpy, clingy, or aggressive
Less interested in their usual activities like walks or playtime
Appetite loss
Changes in grooming or licking
Vocalizing more or less than usual
Restlessness, pacing, or difficulty sleeping
Body posture like a tucked tail, hunched back, or tense muscles

Even if you don’t notice any changes, take your senior to the vet regularly for comprehensive exams. There, your vet will be able to professionally evaluate their health and recommend any further testing or treatments to keep your furball feeling their best.

Feeding your senior pet
You may or may not have to make changes to your older pet’s diet. But if they’re dealing with a chronic condition or disease, your vet may recommend a therapeutic diet.

Medically reviewed by Ari Zabell, DVM and Heidi Cooley, DVM.

Download more about caring for senior cats

Download more about caring for senior dogs

Custom care that grows with your pet

You can save more than 30% by bundling your pet’s preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. On top of comprehensive exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, these convenient packages also include unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, discounts on most Banfield products, and more.

Our NEW Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plan includes our most in-depth diagnostic testing yet. This helps us detect changes in organ function and overall physical health, so that we can begin any recommended treatment as soon as possible.

Learn more about our packages