Senior Dog & Cat Care
in Charlotte, NC

As a leading resource for the specialized needs of aging pets, we recommend semi-annual visits for geriatric patients, allowing us to closely monitor changes such as weight loss, cardiovascular health, dental issues, cataracts, glaucoma, arthritis, and cancer. Regular check-ups help keep your companion happy and healthy by addressing and preventing potential problems before they develop.

• One human year is equivalent to 5–7 dog years, meaning significant health changes can occur in as little as 3–6 months.
• Most dogs are considered seniors at age 7, with larger breeds reaching senior status around 5 years old.
• Dental disease is common in senior dogs, and inflamed gums and teeth can lead to pain, infections, and tooth loss, and may also contribute to kidney and heart disease.
• Special health tests such as blood work, urinalysis, fecal exams, radiographs, and ultrasounds are recommended for senior dogs, just as they are for human seniors.
• Nutritional needs change with age. Older dogs often consume fewer calories and have lower activity levels. Protein malnutrition can contribute to 50–70% of kidney and liver disorders, while obesity can lead to arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and musculoskeletal problems.
• Behavioral changes are common in senior dogs. Your dog may seem disoriented, sleep more, interact less, or forget house training. These age-related behaviors can be managed with the latest therapies.

Our Charlotte veterinary team provides comprehensive senior pet care for aging cats, addressing their unique health concerns with compassion and expertise.

• Cats are generally considered seniors by the age of 8.
• One human year is roughly equivalent to 5–7 cat years, meaning health changes can occur in just 3–6 months.
• Dental disease is common in senior cats. Inflamed gums and teeth can cause significant pain, infections, tooth loss, and bad breath, and may contribute to kidney and heart disease.
• Senior cats benefit from specialized health care, including blood tests, urinalysis, fecal exams, radiographs, and ultrasounds—just like human seniors.
• Nutritional needs shift with age. Older cats typically consume fewer calories and are less active. Protein malnutrition is linked to 50–70% of kidney and liver disorders, while obesity can lead to arthritis, diabetes, and other cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal issues.
• Behavioral changes are common in aging cats. Your senior feline may become disoriented, sleep more, interact less, or forget litter box habits. These age-related behaviors can often be addressed with modern therapies.
• Over 80% of cats over the age of 8 suffer from some degree of arthritis. Unlike dogs or people, cats are adept at hiding arthritis pain, and the signs can be very subtle. We offer multimodal pain control for these cats, along with guidance on how and when to use therapies.