senior pet care in seattle, WA

Older pets deserve attentive, thoughtful care that keeps pace with their changing needs. At Madison Street Animal Hospital in Seattle, WA, we provide dedicated senior pet care for aging dogs and cats—focusing on early detection, comfort management, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

what makes geriatric pet care different

Pets reach their senior years sooner than most owners expect, and once they do, their health can shift quickly and quietly. Conditions that develop gradually—arthritis, kidney disease, dental deterioration, cognitive changes—often don’t produce obvious symptoms until they’ve been present for some time. More frequent exams, targeted diagnostic screening, and proactive management give us the best opportunity to catch concerns early and keep your senior pet feeling like themselves for as long as possible.

what’s included in senior pet care?

Our senior care services are designed to monitor the health changes that come with age, address discomfort before it compounds, and give you a clear picture of where your pet stands at every visit.

Biannual Wellness Exams

We recommend wellness visits every six months for senior pets, so our team has the data points needed to track changes over time.

Senior Diagnostic Screening

Routine bloodwork, urinalysis, and additional screening panels are especially helpful in detecting common age-related conditions before they progress.

Pain & Mobility Assessment

We evaluate your pet’s comfort and movement at every senior visit and discuss management options that can meaningfully improve daily quality of life.

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senior pet care at Madison Street Animal Hospital

At Madison Street Animal Hospital in Seattle, we take the senior years seriously. Geriatric pet care requires a closer eye, a more detailed conversation, and a team that genuinely knows your pet over time. That’s exactly the kind of care we aim to provide—visit after visit, year after year.

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senior pet care FAQs

Caring for an aging pet brings up a lot of questions. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most often from senior pet owners at Madison Street Animal Hospital.

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When is my pet considered a senior?

Most dogs reach senior status around age seven, though larger breeds tend to age faster and may be considered seniors as early as five or six. Cats are generally regarded as seniors around age ten. Breed, size, and overall health history all factor into how we approach age-related care—our team can help you understand what to watch for as your individual pet gets older.

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How often should senior pets come in for checkups?

We recommend wellness exams every six months for senior dogs and cats. More frequent visits allow our team to monitor health trends closely and respond to developing concerns before they become harder to manage.

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What diagnostic tests are recommended for senior pets?

Routine bloodwork and urinalysis are standard for most senior patients, giving our team a look at organ function, hydration, and other key health indicators. Depending on your pet's history and exam findings, we may also recommend thyroid panels, blood pressure evaluation, or imaging to round out the picture.

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How can I tell if my senior pet is in pain?

Pets are instinctively good at concealing discomfort, which makes it easy to miss. Common signs of pain in older pets include reduced activity, reluctance to use stairs or jump onto furniture, changes in sleep habits, decreased appetite, or shifts in social behavior. If something seems off, a visit is always worth it—our team can evaluate your pet's comfort level and discuss options.

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What diagnostic tests are recommended for senior pets?

Routine bloodwork and urinalysis are standard for most senior patients, giving our team a look at organ function, hydration, and other key health indicators. Depending on your pet's history and exam findings, we may also recommend thyroid panels, blood pressure evaluation, or imaging to round out the picture.

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How can I tell if my senior pet is in pain?

Pets are instinctively good at concealing discomfort, which makes it easy to miss. Common signs of pain in older pets include reduced activity, reluctance to use stairs or jump onto furniture, changes in sleep habits, decreased appetite, or shifts in social behavior. If something seems off, a visit is always worth it—our team can evaluate your pet's comfort level and discuss options.

more quality time with the pet you love

The senior years can be deeply rewarding—filled with the kind of quiet companionship that only comes from years together. At Madison Street Animal Hospital, our senior pet care services are designed to protect that time, keeping aging dogs and cats comfortable, monitored, and cared for with the attention they’ve earned.

compassionate veterinary care in seattle & beyond

Madison Street Animal Hospital provides full-service veterinary care for dogs and cats, supporting pet families throughout Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, Madison Park, and the surrounding Puget Sound area. From preventive wellness exams and vaccinations to diagnostics, digital radiology, dental care, and surgery, our veterinary team is committed to helping pets stay healthy and comfortable through every stage of life. Whether your pet needs routine preventive care or a closer look at something new, we're here to provide compassionate, personalized veterinary care you can trust.

DENTAL CARE

DIAGNOSTICS

DIGITAL RADIOLOGY

PARASITE PREVENTION

SURGERY

PREVENTATIVE CARE

PUPPY & KITTEN CARE

VACCINATIONS

Microchipping

Senior Pet Care

End-of-Life Care