Senior Care

At Champlain Animal Hospital, seeing your pet grow from their early days as puppies and kittens to their golden years brings us great joy. We are humbled to have your trust and to be considered as your collaborator in keeping your pet healthy for so many years. As pets enter senior age, they require even more attention and specialized care. Senior furry pets are more likely to experience hearing and vision loss, arthritis, dementia, dental problems and several other issues. At this stage, it is absolutely vital that your pet is regularly seen by their veterinarian, so that we can get ahead of any potential problems.

At what age is my dog or cat considered to be senior?

Our pets grow and develop much faster than us. Cats, for instance, are considered to be seniors at approximately 11-years-old. Feline friends who are 14-years-old and above are considered to be geriatric. (Fun Fact: Many cats live well past 14 years. According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat lived for 38 years!) Dogs, on the other hand, are seniors once they are between 7 and 11-years-old.

How should I care for my senior pet?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that senior pets need extra attention, from both you and our veterinary team. We recommend that you bring them in the hospital for a wellness exam once or twice per year. Regular checkups will allow us to get ahead of any developing health issues. Please call us to schedule your pet’s next appointment, if it has been a while since they last visited the hospital. Keeping your older pet mentally and physically active at home will also make a great difference. Easy walks, swimming and brain-stimulating toys will help keep them engaged. Keeping them at a healthy weight will also boost their resilience. Please call us at 705-742-4243 if you have any further questions.