Watching a beloved dog or cat move into their golden years brings its own set of questions. Older pets often slow down on walks, sleep more, or gain or lose weight, changes that are easy to write off as just getting old. In reality, many of these changes are treatable or manageable when they are caught early. Senior pet care builds on the same wellness and preventative care foundation we use for pets of every age, adjusted for the health needs that come with more birthdays.
Dr. Jessica Johnson, DVM, founded Great Plains Veterinary Clinic to give Vaughn and Great Falls area pets the kind of individualized, relationship-based care that aging pets need most. A 2017 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Johnson has cared for animals of many species and sizes throughout her career, and she built our clinic around a low-stress, Fear-Free approach so senior pets who may already feel anxious or sore can be examined calmly and thoroughly.
As pets age, their bodies change faster than an annual visit may catch. Veterinary guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association recommend examining senior pets twice a year rather than once, since conditions like arthritis, dental disease, and organ changes can progress significantly in just six months. Cats are generally considered senior around 10 years of age, while dogs vary more by size and breed. During a senior wellness visit at our Cascade County clinic, we take extra time for a full physical exam, a conversation about any changes you have noticed at home, and a plan built around your pet’s current stage of life.
A thorough senior wellness visit looks different from a routine annual exam. Depending on your pet’s age, breed, and health history, we may recommend:
We build each senior wellness plan around what your individual pet actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all checklist. Many senior pets experience arthritis and joint stiffness, gradual dental disease, changes in appetite or weight, and slower responses to their surroundings, changes that are gradual enough to miss day to day, which is part of why regular senior exams matter even when your pet seems to be doing fine.
Every senior pet ages differently, and we take the time to understand your pet’s specific history, whether that is a house cat slowing down after ten quiet years or a working dog who has spent a decade moving cattle, guarding property, or keeping a ranch running. Working dogs often carry more wear on their joints, so we pay close attention to mobility support and pain management as they transition into a slower pace of life. When a senior pet’s condition calls for advanced orthopedic care, we coordinate with a visiting surgeon for that procedure rather than guessing at a solution, so your pet’s care plan is grounded in focused training and real experience.
If your older dog or cat seems to be sleeping more, moving more stiffly, eating differently, or just seems not quite themselves, the most useful first step is scheduling a consultation rather than waiting for the next annual visit. Write down what you have noticed and when it started, and bring a list of current medications or supplements. A senior wellness exam and, if needed, bloodwork can often tell us within one visit whether a change is a normal part of aging or something we can help manage.
Cats are generally considered senior around 10 years of age. Dogs vary more, since a large-breed dog may be considered senior by seven or eight years old while a small-breed dog may not reach that stage until closer to ten or eleven. We are happy to talk through where your specific pet falls during a wellness visit.
Most senior pets benefit from a wellness exam twice a year rather than once, since health changes can progress quickly in older pets. More frequent visits give us a better chance of catching problems while they are still manageable.
A senior screening typically includes a full physical exam, a conversation about changes at home, and often bloodwork or urinalysis to check organ function. From there, we build recommendations around your pet’s specific needs, whether that is nutrition changes, pain management, or additional monitoring.
Yes. Working dogs are just as important to us as any other family member, and years of physical activity can add extra wear on joints and muscles. We build senior wellness plans that account for a working dog’s history and help support their comfort as they slow down.
Some senior pets develop conditions that benefit from surgical treatment. For advanced orthopedic or soft-tissue procedures, we coordinate with a visiting surgeon so your pet receives care from someone with focused training in that procedure, while our team continues to manage their day-to-day wellness.
We accept major pet insurance providers, work directly with Trupanion, and offer CareCredit and ScratchPay financing, so ongoing senior care can fit within your household’s budget. Visit our payment options page for details.
Dr. Jessica Johnson and our team have built Great Plains Veterinary Clinic around thorough, low-stress care for pets at every life stage, including the senior years when a little extra attention makes the biggest difference.
Contact Great Plains Veterinary Clinic today to schedule a senior wellness consultation for your dog or cat. A calm, thorough visit now can help your pet feel more comfortable for years to come.
Let’s work together to give your pet the happy, healthy life they deserve.
