Senior Pet Care in Kenockee, MI
Welcome to Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital, where our team helps older dogs and cats in Kenockee and nearby communities stay comfortable, active, and happy in their golden years.
Understanding Senior Pet Care
As dogs and cats get older, their needs change. Senior pet care focuses on catching age-related health problems early, keeping your pet comfortable, and adjusting their care as they age.
It’s easy to think of slowing down, weight changes, or new habits as “just getting older.” But many of these changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that your veterinarian can help with. Regular senior visits give us the chance to spot changes early and adjust your pet’s care as needed.
Geriatric care is one of Dr. Torres’s special interests. She is very thorough, great at explaining what’s going on, and gentle with nervous dogs and cats. We follow Fear Free principles to keep visits as calm as possible, which matters even more for older pets with sore joints or worries about the car ride. Our goal is simple: more good days with the pet you love.
What to Expect During a Senior Pet Visit
Senior visits at Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital are thorough and unhurried, with plenty of time to talk about how your pet is doing at home.
A Detailed Check-In About Home Life
We start by asking about your pet’s appetite, thirst, energy, sleep, bathroom habits, mobility, and behavior. Small changes you’ve noticed at home are some of the most helpful clues we have, so bring your observations and questions.
A Thorough Nose-to-Tail Exam
Your veterinarian checks your pet’s weight, teeth, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, belly, skin, and joints. We look closely for lumps, signs of pain, and changes since the last visit, and we handle sore or stiff pets with extra care.
Screening Tests When Needed
Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork and a urine test to look for problems that don’t show up on the outside. We have in-house bloodwork and a reference lab, plus digital X-ray, ultrasound, and electrocardiogram if your pet needs a closer look.
A Plan for Comfort and Care
We explain what we found in plain language and work with you on a plan. That may include diet changes, exercise tips, dental care, pain management, or follow-up testing. We’ll always explain our recommendations first, so you can decide what’s right for your pet.
Why Senior Care Is Important for Your Pet
Older pets can change quickly, and many health problems start quietly. Regular senior care helps your pet stay comfortable and gives you a partner in making good decisions as your pet ages.
Catching Problems Early
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that senior pets see their veterinarian twice a year, because their health can change rapidly. AAHA also recommends additional testing, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, to help catch emerging health issues before they become serious.
Comfort and Mobility
Older cats are more prone to arthritis, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center, and senior dogs can slow down too. Signs of pain can be subtle, such as trouble jumping, stiffness, or changes in grooming. Spotting them early means we can help keep your pet moving comfortably.
Dental Health
AAHA notes that untreated dental disease can cause chronic pain and affect quality of life. Dentistry is another of Dr. Torres’s special interests, and we have dental X-rays to see what’s happening below the gumline.
Signs Your Senior Pet Should See the Veterinarian
Contact us if you notice any of these changes in your older dog or cat:
- Eating less, losing weight, or drinking and urinating more
- Stiffness, limping, or trouble with stairs, jumping, or getting up
- Bumping into furniture, not coming when called, or seeming disoriented
- New lumps or bumps, or changes in grooming habits
- Accidents in the house or outside the litter box
Caring for Your Senior Pet at Home
Small changes at home can make a big difference. AAHA suggests adding ramps or steps, placing nonslip rugs on slick floors, and keeping exercise gentle and consistent, such as short, easy walks. Ask us about the right diet and portions for your pet’s age and weight.
How Often Should Your Senior Pet See the Veterinarian?
Many senior pets benefit from visits twice a year, and pets with ongoing health conditions may need more frequent checkups. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, health, and needs.
Practice Highlights
- Special interest in geriatric care: Dr. Torres, a former oncology fellow at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine
- In-house diagnostics: bloodwork, digital X-ray, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and dental X-rays
- Clear explanations: we explain what we recommend and strive to never surprise you with charges
- Flexible payment options: cash, check, debit, credit, CareCredit, Scratchpay, and Sunbit
- Help with getting here: pick-up and drop-off appointments, plus limited well-pet house calls in nice weather
- In-home euthanasia for current patients, when the time comes
Sources: Aging With Grace: How to Support Your Senior Pet (American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)), Loving Care for Older Cats (Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine), Routine Health Care of Dogs (Merck Veterinary Manual), Routine Health Care of Cats (Merck Veterinary Manual), Behavior Problems in Cats (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Schedule Your Senior Pet’s Checkup Today
Help your older dog or cat feel their best at Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital. Call us at (810) 985-3011 or visit us at 8504 Lapeer Rd., Kenockee, MI 48006, near Goodells County Park. We welcome families from Port Huron, Marysville, Fort Gratiot, St. Clair, and surrounding communities. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9am–5pm, and Wednesday and Thursday 10am–6pm. If getting your pet here is hard, ask us about pick-up and drop-off appointments. We’re here to help your senior pet enjoy many more good days.
Senior Pet Care: Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is my dog considered a senior?
It varies by size and breed, but the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends twice-yearly checkups for dogs over about 7 to 8 years old, since older dogs are more likely to get sick. Cats also move into a senior care schedule as they age. Our veterinarians at Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital will let you know when it’s time to adjust your pet’s visits.
Source: Routine Health Care of Dogs (Merck Veterinary Manual)
How often should my senior pet see the veterinarian?
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that senior pets see their veterinarian twice a year, because their health can change rapidly. Bloodwork and urine tests are often part of senior care. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age and health, and pets with ongoing conditions may need more frequent visits.
Source: Aging With Grace: How to Support Your Senior Pet (American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA))
My pet is slowing down. Isn’t that just normal aging?
Not always. The Cornell Feline Health Center cautions against assuming health or behavior changes are simply old age, because they can be signs of common diseases or dental problems. The same is true for dogs. If you notice your pet slowing down, eating differently, or acting confused, schedule a visit so we can take a closer look.
What if it’s hard to bring my senior pet to the clinic?
We understand that car rides can be tough for older pets and their families. We offer pick-up and drop-off appointments for transportation issues, and house calls for well-pet care on a limited basis in nice weather. For current patients, we also offer in-home euthanasia when the time comes. Call (810) 985-3011 to talk through your options.
How do I schedule a senior pet visit and what are your hours?
To schedule a senior pet visit, call (810) 985-3011 or visit us at 8504 Lapeer Rd., Kenockee, MI 48006. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9am–5pm, and Wednesday and Thursday 10am–6pm. We’re closed Saturday and Sunday.
