Watching your faithful companion enter their golden years can feel like watching a favorite family photo slowly fade around the edges. Those once-bright eyes might seem a little cloudier, those eager morning walks might become gentle afternoon strolls, and that spring in their step might have settled into a more dignified pace. Your senior pet has been your shadow through countless adventures, your comfort during difficult days, and your constant source of unconditional love. Now, as time weaves silver into their fur and wisdom into their gentle gaze, they deserve the same devoted care they’ve always given you.
At Murieta Pet Hospital, we understand that caring for senior pets isn’t just about addressing health concerns—it’s about honoring the incredible bond you’ve built together over the years. Our compassionate team, led by UC Davis graduates, treats every gray-muzzled visitor like the treasured family member they are. We know that behind every senior pet is a devoted owner who wants nothing more than to ensure their best friend’s golden years are filled with comfort, dignity, and tail-wagging joy.
Every pet ages differently, just like people do. While some dogs and cats seem to maintain their puppy or kitten energy well into their teens, others begin showing signs of aging around seven to eight years old. Senior pets often develop unique needs that require a gentle, understanding approach to care. Their once-boundless energy may give way to longer naps in sunny spots, and their enthusiastic meal times might become more selective affairs.
The beauty of senior pets lies in their settled personalities and deep capacity for companionship. They’ve learned your routines, mastered the art of comfortable silence, and perfected the loving gaze that says everything without words. However, this life stage also brings potential challenges like joint stiffness, vision changes, hearing loss, and various age-related conditions that benefit from attentive veterinary care.
Our team recognizes that senior pets aren’t just “old animals”- they’re beloved family members with rich histories and individual personalities. We take time to learn about your pet’s unique story, their favorite activities, and any changes you’ve noticed in their behavior or mobility. This personal approach helps us create care plans that honor who your pet has always been while addressing who they’re becoming in their golden years.
Senior pet wellness at our Rancho Murieta practice goes far beyond basic check-ups. We believe proactive care is the key to helping your companion age gracefully and comfortably. Our comprehensive wellness exams are designed to catch potential issues early while celebrating the vitality your pet still possesses.
During senior wellness visits, we conduct thorough physical examinations that pay special attention to common age-related concerns. We carefully assess joint mobility, heart health, kidney function, and cognitive awareness. Our UC Davis-trained veterinarians understand the subtle signs that might indicate developing conditions, allowing us to address concerns before they significantly impact your pet’s quality of life.
We also focus on pain management, recognizing that many senior pets suffer from arthritis or other orthopedic conditions that can diminish their enjoyment of daily activities. Modern pain management options like Librela and Solensia have revolutionized how we approach orthopedic pain in dogs and cats, offering effective relief that can restore spring to your pet’s step and sparkle to their eyes.
We offer the following specialized senior care services:
As pets age, their bodies may develop conditions that aren’t immediately visible to the naked eye. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities allow us to peer beneath the surface and understand what’s happening inside your companion’s body. Complete medical assessments help us establish baselines for your pet’s health and track changes over time.
When surgery becomes necessary for senior pets, our experienced team approaches each case with extra care and consideration. We understand that older pets may have different anesthetic needs and recovery requirements. Our advanced monitoring equipment and experienced staff ensure your senior companion receives the safest possible surgical care when procedures become necessary.
Many senior pets develop orthopedic conditions that can significantly impact their mobility and comfort. Our approach combines medical management, appropriate exercise recommendations, an, when necessary, surgical interventions designed specifically for older patients. We work closely with pet owners to develop realistic expectations and achievable goals for maintaining mobility and comfort.
The goal of senior pet care isn’t just extending life—it’s ensuring that every day your companion has left is filled with as much comfort, joy, and dignity as possible. This might mean adjusting their diet to support aging organs, modifying their exercise routine to accommodate stiff joints, or simply providing more frequent check-ups to monitor their changing needs.
We encourage pet owners to maintain routines that bring their senior pets joy while being flexible about modifications that might be necessary. Perhaps that daily mile-long walk becomes a gentle half-mile stroll with plenty of sniffing breaks. Maybe dinnertime requires elevated food bowls or softer food options. These adjustments aren’t signs of decline – they’re acts of love that honor your pet’s changing needs.
Our team also provides guidance on environmental modifications that can improve your senior pet’s quality of life at home. Simple changes like providing orthopedic bedding, installing ramps instead of requiring jumps, or adjusting lighting can make significant differences in your pet’s daily comfort and confidence.
Your senior pet deserves veterinary care that combines medical excellence with genuine compassion and understanding. At Murieta Pet Hospital, our team of UC Davis graduates brings both advanced training and heartfelt dedication to every senior pet we treat. We understand that this stage of your pet’s life can feel bittersweet, and we’re here to help you navigate it with confidence, hope, and practical support that makes a real difference in your companion’s daily life.
Don’t let age-related concerns go unaddressed when effective, compassionate care is available right here in Rancho Murieta. Contact our caring team today at (916) 885-0288 or schedule an appointment online to discuss how we can help your senior pet continue thriving in their golden years.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*Holidays and staff training may affect these hours
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