Senior & Geriatric Pet Care
Honoring Your Pet’s Golden Years With Comfort and Connection
As our beloved dogs and cats grow older, their needs evolve—sometimes gradually, and other times in the blink of an eye. No matter how these changes unfold, one thing remains constant: the deep bond you’ve built together over the years.
Senior pets bring with them a lifetime of love, trust, and quiet wisdom. At Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital, we honor that bond with every interaction. Our approach to senior and geriatric care is rooted in gentleness, empathy, and a deep understanding of what this stage means—for both you and your companion.
We’re here to walk beside you with thoughtful guidance, helping you navigate each step with clarity, compassion, and unwavering support.
Every aging pet is unique. Our team takes time to understand your pet’s daily life, mobility, behavior, and comfort so we can support them, and you, every step of the way.
How We Support Senior and Geriatric Dogs
Dogs often show age-related changes such as slowing down on walks, stiff joints, changes in appetite, or increased anxiety. Some conditions develop quietly over time, and early detection helps us keep your dog comfortable and active.
Common areas of focus for senior and geriatric dogs include:
- Arthritis and mobility changes
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Heart or kidney conditions
- Dental disease
- Cognitive changes (confusion, nighttime restlessness)
- Endocrine conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s diseas
We recommend wellness visits every 6 months for senior and geriatric dogs so we can monitor subtle changes, adjust medications, and help you stay ahead of issues before they affect your pet’s quality of life.
How We Support Senior and Geriatric Cats
Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so age-related conditions can go unnoticed until they have progressed. You may notice quieter behavior, decreased jumping, weight loss, or changes in grooming or litter box habits.
Common areas of focus for senior and geriatric cats include:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Arthritis (often overlooked in cats)
- Dental issues
- Weight loss or muscle loss
- Litter box changes related to mobility or pain
Regular screenings help us catch these conditions early, giving your cat the best chance to stay comfortable and engaged in daily life.
Visit our Wellness and Preventive Care Page to learn how to best care for your dog or cat companion at every life stage
Our Approach to Senior and Geriatric Wellness
Senior care at Glastonbury is centered around connection with your pet and with your family. Every visit includes time to talk, ask questions, and share what you’re seeing at home.
Our recommendations may include:
- Twice-yearly wellness exams
- Blood work and urinalysis for early detection
- Blood pressure checks
- Dental evaluations
- Mobility and pain assessments
- Nutrition and weight management
- Home modifications for comfort
Honoring Every Stage With Heart
Our older pets deserve patience, gentleness, and thoughtful care into their golden years. Whether your pet is just beginning to show signs of aging or needs more specialized support, we’re here to help you give them the comfort and dignity they deserve.
You know your pet better than anyone. Together, we’ll help them enjoy this chapter of life with as much ease and happiness as possible.