Senior pet care in Chilliwack
At Promontory Animal Hospital, we care for senior dogs and cats at our clinic on Thomas Road in Chilliwack. We focus on early disease detection, pain management, mobility support and quality-of-life care, so your pet's later years stay comfortable and active.
What is senior pet care?
Senior pet care is veterinary care adjusted for an older dog or cat. It means more frequent checkups, blood work to catch kidney, liver and hormone changes early, attention to teeth, weight and joints, and pain relief when arthritis sets in. The aim is to keep your pet comfortable and active for as long as possible. At our Chilliwack clinic, we run that blood work in-house and build the checkup schedule around your pet's own age and health.
Why older pets need checkups more often
In the words of our veterinarians: “pets can hide signs of illness, and early detection can make treatment much easier.” That matters more with every birthday. Dogs and cats age faster than we do, so a year between visits is a long stretch in an older pet’s life.
We will suggest a checkup schedule that fits your pet’s age and health. We run blood work in-house at our clinic, which helps us spot changes in the kidneys, liver and other organs before they show up at home.
What changes should I expect as my pet gets older?
Some slowing down is normal. Tell us about any change in eating, drinking, sleeping or activity, and watch in particular for:
- Drinking or urinating more than usual
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Stiffness, trouble on stairs or reluctance to jump
- Bad breath or dropping food, often a dental problem
- New lumps or bumps
- Confusion, restlessness or waking at night
Old dog arthritis and mobility support
Old dog arthritis often shows as a slow start after rest, shorter walks or hesitation at the car door. Cats hide it well: they jump less, groom less and may stop using a high-sided litter box.
Arthritis cannot be cured, but we can help manage it. We offer pain relief, help keep weight in a healthy range through our nutrition and weight management service, suggest gentle changes to exercise, and provide therapeutic laser therapy. Our pet pain management page explains the options in full.
Answers close at hand
When something needs a closer look, we have digital X-ray and ultrasound available at our clinic, alongside in-house blood work. Our diagnostics and imaging page explains each one. We’ll give you a written estimate to approve before any procedure begins.
And when the time comes to think about quality of life, we offer end-of-life care both in the clinic and at home, with time to talk it through first.
At what age is my pet a senior?
It varies with species and size. Many cats and dogs are thought of as senior from around seven years old, and large and giant breed dogs often age sooner. We will talk about where your pet is at their next checkup.
How often should a senior pet see the vet?
More often than a younger pet, because problems can develop faster and pets hide them well. We will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age and health.
Can old dog arthritis be treated?
It cannot be cured, but we can usually manage it well, with pain relief, weight control, adjusted exercise and therapeutic laser therapy to help an older dog stay comfortable and moving.
What can I do to keep my pet healthy as they get older?
Keep them at a healthy weight, keep them moving gently every day, look after their teeth, and bring them in for regular checkups so changes are caught early. Tell us about any change in eating, drinking or behaviour.
Related care at our clinic
Care for the years that matter most
We open late October at Unit 104 – 46193 Thomas Road, Chilliwack, open 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven days a week, and we are accepting new clients. Join the waitlist, or call us on 604-991-2745.
What you can count on
- A written estimate you approve before any procedure begins
- Open 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven days a week
- Accepting new clients, opening late October
- On Thomas Road in Chilliwack, with free parking