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Senior Pet Care

Senior Pet Care in Bethesda, MD

Support your aging pet’s comfort, mobility, and long-term health with compassionate senior pet care at Bradley Hills Animal Hospital. Our veterinarians provide attentive, personalized senior wellness services in Bethesda for older dogs and cats.

Veterinarian gently examining an older dog or cat in a bright, calm exam room

Understanding Senior Pet Care

Senior pet care focuses on helping older pets stay healthy, comfortable, and active as they age. As pets get older, their bodies change in ways that can affect mobility, digestion, vision, dental health, and overall quality of life.

Routine senior wellness exams allow our team to monitor for age-related conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, kidney or liver issues, weight changes, and endocrine disorders. Early detection can make a major difference in keeping your pet feeling their best and preventing complications.

At Bradley Hills Animal Hospital, we take a proactive approach to senior pet care by customizing wellness plans based on your pet’s lifestyle, medical history, and specific needs. Our goal is to support aging pets through every stage with thoughtful, low-stress care and guidance for their families.

By choosing senior pet care in Bethesda, you’re giving your dog or cat the benefit of ongoing veterinary support that prioritizes comfort, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing in a trusted, compassionate setting.

What to Expect During Your Senior Pet Care Appointment

When you bring your pet in for senior pet care in Bethesda, expect attentive, thorough care from our experienced team. We focus on both medical prevention and your pet’s daily comfort.

Comprehensive Wellness Assessment

Senior appointments begin with a detailed exam. Dr. Ressler evaluates your pet’s weight, body condition, joints and mobility, heart and lung health, skin and coat, eyes, ears, and more.

We also review your pet’s full history and any changes you’ve noticed at home, including appetite, energy level, thirst, urination, behavior, or stiffness.

Customized Senior Health Plan

Every senior pet ages differently. Our veterinarians develop individualized wellness recommendations based on your pet’s current condition and risk factors.

This plan may include lab testing, nutrition adjustments, joint support guidance, dental care recommendations, or monitoring for common senior concerns. We keep recommendations practical and tailored to your pet, not one-size-fits-all.

Diagnostic Screening & Preventive Care

Because many age-related health issues can start subtly, diagnostics are an important part of senior care. Based on your pet’s needs, we may recommend bloodwork, urine screening, blood pressure checks, or additional testing.

This helps identify concerns early and gives us a clearer picture of your pet’s internal health so we can act before symptoms become serious.

Comfort-Focused Support & Aftercare

Older pets often need extra comfort and patience. Our team uses gentle handling techniques and takes time to keep your pet relaxed throughout the visit.

After your appointment, we provide clear aftercare instructions and can discuss how to support your senior pet at home, including mobility tips, diet changes, medication routines, and when to schedule follow-ups.

Pet owner speaking with veterinarian while an older pet rests comfortably nearby

Why Senior Pet Care Is Important for Your Pet

As pets age, they are more likely to develop chronic conditions that can affect their daily life. Senior pet care helps protect your pet’s comfort, independence, and long-term health.

Consistent checkups and wellness monitoring make it easier to catch issues early, manage pain, and prevent avoidable emergencies.

Early Detection & Better Outcomes

Senior screenings can identify changes before symptoms appear. Detecting conditions early often improves treatment options and overall outcomes.

Mobility & Comfort Support

Arthritis and joint stiffness are common in older pets. Senior care helps address mobility changes and improve comfort so your pet can continue enjoying daily routines.

Long-Term Wellness & Quality of Life

Senior wellness plans help you support your pet’s health as a whole, from dental and weight management to internal organ function and cognitive wellbeing.

Signs Your Pet May Need Senior Care

Aging often shows up gradually. Watch for these signs your pet may benefit from senior pet care in Bethesda:

Your pet is slowing down or sleeping more than usual

You notice stiffness, limping, or difficulty climbing stairs

Your pet is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly

Your pet drinks more water or has changes in urination

You notice bad breath, chewing changes, or dental discomfort

Your pet seems confused, restless, or more anxious than before

If any of these changes apply, call Bradley Hills Animal Hospital. Senior wellness visits help address concerns early and keep your pet comfortable as they age.

How Often Should Senior Pets Visit the Veterinarian?

As a general rule, senior pets benefit from wellness exams at least twice a year. Because older pets can develop health changes more quickly, routine visits help our team catch issues early and adjust care plans as needed.

Some senior pets may need more frequent monitoring depending on their medical history, mobility concerns, or chronic conditions. Our veterinarians will guide you on the ideal schedule for your pet’s age and needs.

Practice Highlights

Bradley Hills Animal Hospital is trusted for senior pet care in Bethesda, MD because of our combination of advanced medical knowledge, kindness, and attention to detail.

  • Award-Winning Care: Named Best Vet in Bethesda over several years
  • Personalized Medicine: Wellness plans tailored to your senior pet’s needs
  • Latest Technology: Advanced diagnostics and modern preventive care
  • Compassionate Approach: Gentle handling for aging pets
  • Same-Day Appointments: Urgent needs accommodated when possible

Frequently Asked Questions

When is my pet considered a “senior”?

Most dogs and cats are considered seniors around age 7, though larger dog breeds may be considered senior earlier. Our team can help you determine the best senior care timeline for your pet.

What’s included in a senior wellness exam?

Senior exams include a full physical exam and a review of behavior, appetite, weight, mobility, and overall health. Depending on your pet’s needs, diagnostics such as bloodwork or urine screening may be recommended.

How can I help my senior pet feel more comfortable at home?

Many senior pets benefit from routine, gentle exercise, supportive bedding, weight management, and joint support strategies. Our veterinarians can offer personalized recommendations based on your pet’s lifestyle.

Will my senior pet need lab work every visit?

Not always, but routine screening is often recommended for senior pets because many age-related issues can develop without obvious symptoms. We’ll only recommend what is appropriate for your pet.

How do I schedule an appointment, and when are you open?

To schedule senior pet care in Bethesda, call (301) 365-5448. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and conveniently located at 7210 Bradley Blvd.

Schedule Your Senior Pet Care Appointment Today

Help your pet stay healthy, comfortable, and supported through every stage of aging with trusted senior pet care in Bethesda at Bradley Hills Animal Hospital. Call (301) 365-5448 to book your appointment or ask questions, our friendly team is always happy to help.

Visit us at 7210 Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817 for convenient, compassionate care. We proudly serve Bethesda and surrounding communities with a focus on lifelong wellness. Your pet’s health is our top priority, contact Bradley Hills Animal Hospital for personalized guidance on senior pet care today.