Senior Care for Dogs and Cats in Downey
There’s something special about the gray faces and gentle eyes of our senior pets. After years of companionship and always being by our side, they deserve a little extra care as they grow older.
At Ashton Animal Hospital, we help senior dogs and cats stay healthy, comfortable and active with personalized care focused on their changing needs. We provide senior pet care for families in Downey, Norwalk and surrounding California communities.
Most dogs and cats are considered to be a senior around 7 years of age, although this can vary based on a pet’s species, breed, size and overall health.
Early senior care can mean more healthy years by your side.
A Senior Checkup Can Catch What You Can’t See
Your senior dog or cat may seem perfectly healthy at home, but some common age-related health problems can develop before there are obvious signs. Regular checkups give us a chance to look for subtle changes and make sure your pet’s health, weight, mobility and comfort are on track.
A comprehensive senior exam may include checking your pet’s heart and lungs, mouth and teeth, abdomen, skin, joints, weight and overall body condition. Routine testing can also establish a health baseline, making it easier to recognize changes as your pet gets older.
Why Senior Bloodwork and Testing Matter
A physical exam can tell us a lot, but it can’t show everything happening inside your pet’s body. Your veterinarian may recommend blood and urine testing based on your pet’s age, health history, exam findings and individual needs.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC is a useful first-line test that provides a snapshot of your senior pet’s health. Because aging dogs and cats are at greater risk for a range of health problems, changes in their blood cells can provide some of the first clues that something may be wrong—even when they seem perfectly healthy at home.
What It Helps Us Detect:
- Anemia, which can cause weakness, fatigue or low energy
- Signs of infection or inflammation that may otherwise go unnoticed
- Abnormalities that may prompt further testing for cancer or other diseases
Blood Chemistry Profile
A blood chemistry profile provides important information about how your senior pet’s internal organs and body systems are functioning.
What It Helps Us Evaluate:
- Kidney and liver function
- Blood sugar and electrolytes
- Hydration, proteins and other indicators of internal health
Urinalysis
As dogs and cats age, they become more prone to kidney disease, diabetes and urinary problems—conditions that can develop before obvious symptoms appear. Urine testing works alongside bloodwork to provide important clues about your senior pet’s kidney, bladder and overall health.
What It Helps Us Detect:
- Early signs of kidney problems
- Urinary tract infections, blood or other urinary abnormalities
- Glucose or other changes that may point to diabetes or another underlying condition
Thyroid Testing
Just like people, dogs and cats can develop thyroid problems as they get older. The thyroid helps control metabolism, so changes can affect weight, appetite, energy, heart rate, skin and coat. A thyroid panel checks hormone levels to see if the thyroid may be working too much or too little.
What It Helps Us Detect:
- An underactive thyroid, more commonly seen in older dogs
- An overactive thyroid, especially common in senior cats
- Thyroid problems that may explain changes in weight, appetite or energy
Depending on your pet’s individual health and risk factors, your veterinarian may recommend additional senior screening, such as blood-pressure measurement or other diagnostic testing.
Common Health Concerns in Senior Pets
Getting older can increase your dog or cat’s risk for several health conditions, including:
- Arthritis and mobility problems
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Dental disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Vision or hearing changes
- Cognitive and behavioral changes
- Cancer
- Weight and nutritional changes
Finding a health concern earlier can give us more opportunities to monitor it, investigate the cause and recommend care that supports your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
They Deserve a Checkup. You Deserve Peace of Mind.
You know your pet better than anyone. Even small changes can be worth checking as they get older. Talk to us if you notice:
- Drinking or urinating more
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Changes in appetite
- Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty standing, walking, jumping or using stairs
- Less interest in walks or play
- Changes in sleep, behavior or personality
- Nighttime pacing, confusion or unusual vocalization
- Bad breath or difficulty chewing
- New or changing lumps and bumps
- Coughing, breathing changes or reduced stamina
Noticing a change—or just want to make sure everything is OK? Schedule your senior pet’s checkup today.
Helping Senior Pets Stay Comfortable and Active
Slowing down isn’t always a normal part of getting older. Arthritis, joint changes and other conditions can cause discomfort that affects how your pet walks, plays, sleeps or interacts with your family.
If your senior pet is showing signs of pain or decreased mobility, we can evaluate what may be causing the change and discuss options to help them remain comfortable, mobile and engaged.
Good Nutrition Matters Even More as Pets Age
As pets age, changes in metabolism, activity and muscle mass can change their nutritional needs. The right diet and a healthy weight can help support aging joints, maintain muscle and manage certain health conditions.
We can recommend nutrition based on your senior pet’s weight, body condition, health and changing needs.
Senior Dog and Cat Care in Downey and Norwalk, CA
Senior dogs and cats don’t all age the same way. Older dogs may need additional attention to mobility, arthritis, heart health and weight, while senior cats may benefit from close monitoring of kidney function, thyroid health, blood pressure and weight changes.
At Ashton Animal Hospital, we tailor senior care to your individual pet rather than their age alone.
Senior Pet Care FAQs
How often should my senior pet have a checkup?
The right schedule depends on your pet’s age, species, health history and existing conditions. Your veterinarian can recommend how frequently your individual dog or cat should be examined.
Does my pet need to fast before senior bloodwork?
It depends on the testing being performed. Ask our team when scheduling your appointment, and we’ll let you know how to prepare your pet for their visit.
What happens if my senior pet’s results are abnormal?
An abnormal result doesn’t always mean your pet has a serious condition. Your veterinarian will review the findings in combination with your pet’s exam and health history and discuss whether monitoring, additional testing or other next steps are recommended.
More Healthy Years. More Time by Your Side.
Those gray whiskers represent years of memories, companionship and unconditional love. Senior wellness care can help us stay ahead of health changes, address discomfort and support your pet’s quality of life as their needs evolve.
Give yourself peace of mind and your senior pet the care they deserve. Schedule a senior wellness visit with Ashton Animal Hospital today.
