1578 Skeet Club Road High Point, NC 27265
Caring for Your Pet Through Every Chapter of Life
As pets grow older, their health needs change in significant ways. The same annual wellness visit that served your dog or cat well in their younger years may no longer be enough to stay ahead of the conditions that commonly develop with age. Senior pets benefit from closer monitoring, more frequent checkups, and a veterinary team that understands the unique challenges of aging animals.
At Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital on Skeet Club Road, we provide attentive, compassionate care tailored specifically to the needs of older dogs and cats. We are proud to serve senior pet owners throughout High Point and the surrounding communities of Oak Hollow, Horney Town, and Colfax.
Common Health Conditions in Senior Pets
Understanding what to watch for as your pet ages helps you act quickly when something seems off. Some of the most common conditions we diagnose and manage in senior dogs and cats include:
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Dental disease
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Heart disease
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
- Cancer
Senior Wellness Exams
We recommend that senior pets visit our Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital every six months rather than once a year. Because pets age at an accelerated rate compared to people, a lot can change in a short period of time. More frequent exams give us a much better chance of catching developing conditions early, when they are most treatable.
During a senior wellness exam, our veterinary team will conduct a thorough physical assessment that includes:
- Eyes and vision assessment for signs of cloudiness, pressure changes, or deterioration
- Ears checked for infection, hearing changes, or buildup
- Oral health evaluation for dental disease, which is extremely common and often painful in older pets
- Heart and lungs assessed for murmurs, arrhythmias, or respiratory changes
- Abdomen palpated for organ changes, masses, or areas of discomfort
- Joints and limbs evaluated for arthritis, stiffness, muscle loss, or mobility limitations
- Skin and coat examined for lumps, lesions, changes in texture, or hair thinning
- Weight and body condition scored and compared to previous visits
- Neurological and cognitive function observed for early signs of age-related changes
We will also take time to discuss any behavioral or physical changes you have noticed at home, no matter how minor they may seem. Owners often notice the earliest signs of a problem long before they become clinically obvious, and your observations are an invaluable part of your pet's care.
Committed to Keeping Your Senior Pet Active
Growing older looks different for every pet, and no two senior care journeys are exactly alike. What remains constant is our commitment to meeting your pet where they are, adjusting their care as their needs evolve, and making sure they feel safe and comfortable every time they walk through our doors.
If your dog or cat is entering their senior years, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a visit with our team at Skeet Club Road. A little extra attention at this stage of life can make a remarkable difference in how your pet feels day to day, and we are here to help you make the most of every moment with them.
