As pets enter their golden years, their medical needs begin to change. Aging cats and dogs often experience shifts in mobility, organ function, behavior, and immunity — which means regular, proactive veterinary care becomes more important than ever. At Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive geriatric visits designed to support your older pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life.
Most pets are considered “senior” by age seven. At this stage, we recommend bi-annual senior wellness exams to detect early signs of age-related conditions and address issues before they affect your pet’s daily comfort.
As pets age, their risk of developing chronic or degenerative diseases increases. Some of the most common conditions we monitor during senior visits include:
Arthritis and joint degeneration
Cancer
Diabetes
Glaucoma and vision decline
Heart, kidney, and liver disease
High or low blood pressure
Thyroid and hormonal disorders
Infection and immune challenges
Metabolic imbalances
Tumors or abnormal growths
Many older pets naturally hide signs of discomfort, making it easy to overlook the early stages of disease. Watching your pet closely for subtle changes can help us intervene early.
Contact us if you notice:
Reduced mobility or stiffness
Lower activity levels
Changes in appetite or weight
Behavioral shifts
Incontinence or bathroom changes
Visible lumps or bumps
Hearing loss
Diminished eyesight
Even mild changes can indicate developing issues in senior pets.
Our geriatric care focuses on early detection, comfort management, and personalized wellness planning. Each appointment typically covers four major areas:
We perform a full physical examination along with diagnostic tests that may include bloodwork, blood pressure monitoring, urinalysis, and imaging to assess organ function and detect disease early.
Age-related discomfort is common, but treatable. We offer customized pain-relief plans using:
Medications
Anti-inflammatory therapies
Cold laser therapy
Supportive at-home strategies
Maintaining mobility is essential for quality of life. We can recommend treatments such as joint supplements, weight-management guidance, therapeutic exercises, and additional mobility-preserving therapies.
Through nutritional counseling, dietary adjustments, and targeted supplements, we help keep your senior pet healthy, strong, and feeling their best.
Senior pet care is designed to keep your older cat or dog comfortable, happy, and thriving throughout their later years. With twice-yearly checkups, we can diagnose problems early, create proactive treatment plans, and support the unique needs of aging pets and their families.
Contact Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital today to schedule a senior pet wellness exam and give your companion the thoughtful, attentive care they deserve.
We’re here to answer your questions and care for your pets. Contact Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our veterinary services.
Order your pet’s medications, prescription diets, and wellness products safely and conveniently through our online pharmacy. Enjoy trusted brands, automatic refills, and direct delivery—because your pet’s health should always be easy to manage.
