Aging Well, Together.
The pets who’ve grown up with us deserve a different kind of attention as they get older—not less, but more thoughtful. Most dogs are considered seniors around age seven (earlier for large breeds), and cats typically reach their senior years around ten. As your pet enters this stage, small changes become more meaningful, routine visits become more valuable, and the trust you’ve built with your veterinary team really starts to pay off. At Fort Harrison Veterinarians, we’re here to help you navigate these years with care, honesty, and a deep respect for the bond you share.
Senior Pet Wellness Exams
Senior pet exams are more in-depth than the checkups your dog or cat had in their younger years, because there’s simply more to watch for. During each visit, our Indianapolis veterinary team performs a thorough physical exam, evaluates your pet’s weight, mobility, dental health, and behavior, and asks detailed questions about what you’ve been noticing at home. Dental health becomes especially important in senior pets, since untreated dental disease can affect the heart, kidneys, and overall comfort. We typically recommend twice-yearly senior exams, since six months in a senior pet’s life can bring meaningful changes.
Senior Pet Diagnostics & Bloodwork
Many age-related conditions—kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, certain cancers—are most treatable when caught early, often before any outward symptoms appear. Regular bloodwork, urinalysis, and other senior-focused diagnostics give us a window into what’s happening inside your pet’s body, and a baseline to compare against in future visits. We’ll help you understand what each test looks for, what the results mean, and what your options are if something shows up. The goal is always the same: more good days, fewer surprises.
Senior Pet Mobility & Joint Care
Stiffness, slower walks, hesitation on the stairs—these aren’t just signs of “getting old.” They’re often signs of arthritis or joint pain, and there’s a lot we can do to help. From prescription medications and joint supplements to weight management and lifestyle adjustments, we’ll put together a mobility care plan tailored to your senior dog or cat’s specific needs. The right combination can make a real difference in their daily comfort, energy, and willingness to do the things they’ve always loved.
Senior Pet Nutrition
What your pet ate at three years old isn’t necessarily what’s best for them at thirteen. As pets age, their metabolism, digestion, and nutritional needs shift—and the right diet can support kidney function, heart health, joint comfort, and a healthy weight. We’ll talk through your senior dog or cat’s current diet, any health concerns, and your day-to-day routine, then recommend changes that make sense for your pet and your real life. No drastic overhauls, just thoughtful adjustments that add up.
Senior Pet Cognitive Health
Just like people, dogs and cats can experience cognitive changes as they age—sometimes called “doggy dementia” or feline cognitive dysfunction. Signs can include disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, increased anxiety, or forgetting familiar routines. The good news is that there are real ways to help, from dietary adjustments and supplements to enrichment strategies and, in some cases, medication. If you’ve noticed your senior pet “just isn’t quite themselves” lately, we’d love to talk it through—small changes often signal something worth exploring.
More Good Days, For As Long As Possible.
The senior years are often the most tender chapter of a pet’s life—and in many ways, the most rewarding. They know you, you know them, and the bond you’ve built means you notice when something’s off long before any test would catch it. Our job is to help you act on that instinct, to give you good information and honest options, and to make sure your senior pet has as many comfortable, happy days ahead as we can possibly give them.
Ready to Meet Your New Vet?
Take a deep breath—your family is in the best hands, and we're genuinely excited to meet them and be a special part of their health journey. Let's take care of your pet together.