Veterinary Care for the Geriatric Patient

It is a tribute to the clients of our hospital that we see so many pets living well into old age. What is an “old” pet? Cats and small dogs generally are considered geriatric at around 8 to 10 years of age, though we often see cats and toy breeds living well into their late teens. Medium and large-sized dogs age more rapidly; the larger the dog, the faster it tends to age.


Geriatric pets often benefit from a modified care regimen. Regular, controlled exercise such as leash walks can help an older pet stay fit and active. Violent or jarring actions, such as jumping on or off furniture, may need to be phased out. Food for mature pets generally is recommended at around 8 years of age.

Older animals, like people, are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses. Among the more common illnesses we see in dogs are obesity, degenerative joint disease (arthritis), heart disease and, unfortunately, cancer. In older cats, we most often see kidney and thyroid disease. Fortunately, these disease processes can usually be treated if they are caught early enough.

For this reason we strongly recommend a geriatric screening for any pet that is 8 or older. The screening consists of a comprehensive physical exam, bloodwork, urinalysis, and perhaps x-rays. The earlier we can diagnose a problem, the easier (and less expensive) it is to treat!

Read more about geriatric pets and arthritis here.

Dr. Charles Livaudais