310 E. University Dr Granger, IN 46530
Caring for Your Pet Through Every Stage of Aging
As pets grow older, their needs change in ways that are not always obvious from the outside. A dog that is moving a little slower or a cat that has become pickier about food may simply be showing early signs of the aging process, or they may be telling us something more important.
At University Park Veterinary Hospital in Granger, IN, we take a proactive approach to senior pet care, focusing on catching subtle changes early and helping your companion stay comfortable, active, and connected to the family they love. We are proud to support senior pets and their families throughout Granger, South Bend, Mishawaka, Notre Dame, Elkhart, and Osceola in Indiana, as well as Niles, Buchanan, Edwardsburg, and Cassopolis in Michigan.
When Does a Pet Become a Senior?
The answer depends largely on species and breed. Cats are generally considered senior around eleven years of age, while dogs can enter their senior years anywhere from six to ten, depending heavily on size. Larger breeds tend to age faster and are often considered senior earlier than smaller breeds, which frequently remain active well into their teens. Rather than relying on a strict age cutoff, our team looks at each pet individually, taking into account breed tendencies, body condition, and any existing health conditions when deciding how often senior screening should happen.
Why Senior Pets Need More Frequent Monitoring
Aging bodies change more quickly than younger ones, which is why we typically recommend senior wellness visits twice a year rather than annually. Conditions like kidney disease, arthritis, and early organ changes often develop gradually and without obvious symptoms in the early stages. A pet can seem perfectly normal at home while bloodwork or a physical exam reveals a problem just beginning to take shape. Catching these changes early gives us far more options for managing them effectively, often slowing progression and keeping your pet more comfortable for longer.
What a Senior Wellness Visit Includes
Senior appointments tend to be more thorough than a standard checkup, since we are watching for changes that can be easy to miss. A typical visit may include:
- A full physical exam with close attention to joints, muscle tone, and mobility
- Bloodwork to screen kidney, liver, and thyroid function
- Blood pressure monitoring, particularly for cats and older dogs
- A dental evaluation, since dental disease becomes more common with age
- A weight and body condition check, as unexplained weight loss or gain can signal underlying issues
Managing Arthritis and Joint Pain
Joint pain is one of the most common, and most under-recognized, issues in aging pets. Many pet owners assume slowing down is simply a normal part of getting older, when in reality it is often a sign of discomfort that can be managed.
Our team looks for subtle signs such as hesitation on stairs, difficulty jumping onto furniture, or stiffness after resting, and we work with you to build a pain management plan that may include medication, joint supplements, weight management, or changes to your pet's home environment to make daily movement easier.
Helping You Manage Chronic Conditions at Home
For pets living with ongoing conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, consistent care at home makes a real difference. Our team works with you to build a manageable routine, whether that involves medication schedules, at home monitoring, or recognizing early warning signs that warrant a call to our office. We aim to make chronic condition management feel less overwhelming by breaking it down into clear, practical steps.
A Partner in Your Pet's Later Years
Watching a beloved pet grow older is not always easy, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team at University Park Veterinary Hospital is here to help you make informed decisions, manage discomfort, and give your senior pet the quality of life they deserve for as long as possible.