Senior Pet Care

Senior pet care means more frequent checkups and earlier answers, because aging pets hide problems well and small changes matter more.

Our Story

Aging Looks Different on Every Pet

Some senior pets slow down gradually. Others hide discomfort until it becomes serious. At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, more frequent senior exams help us catch the changes your pet can’t tell you about, while there’s still time to help.

Comprehensive Vet Services

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide a full range of services to keep your pets healthy

SERVICES

We systematically evaluate every part of your pet’s body, from checking eyes for cloudiness and ears for infection (using our video otoscope) to listening for heart murmurs, feeling for unusual lumps, and testing joint mobility. This thorough approach helps us detect subtle problems like early kidney disease or hidden tumors that pets instinctively hide from their owners.

We test for internal parasites through fecal analysis and check for external parasites like fleas and ticks that can transmit serious diseases. Based on your pet’s lifestyle and our local parasite risks, we’ll recommend the most effective prevention plan to keep your pet protected year-round.

Rather than over-vaccinating, we create a personalized vaccine schedule based on your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle risks. Indoor cats need different protection than hiking dogs, and we’ll ensure your pet gets exactly what they need, nothing more, nothing less.

We examine your pet’s teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of periodontal disease, which affects 80% of pets over age three and can lead to heart, kidney, and liver problems. Early detection of dental issues means we can prevent painful infections and avoid costly extractions down the road.

We’ll discuss your pet’s diet, exercise habits, behavior changes, and home environment to provide personalized recommendations for optimal health. Whether it’s choosing the right food for your senior cat’s kidneys or exercise tips for your energetic puppy, we help you make the best decisions for your pet’s unique needs.

SENIOR PET CARE

More Frequent Care for the Years When It Matters Most

When Is My Pet Considered a Senior?

It depends on size and species. Large dogs are often considered senior around 5 to 6 years old, small dogs and cats closer to 10 to 11 years. Genetics and breed play a role too, so we’ll talk with you about where your pet stands.

Why Do Senior Pets Need More Frequent Exams?

Age-related conditions like arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, and thyroid changes can develop quietly. Twice-yearly exams, as the AVMA suggests for senior pets, instead of once a year, give us a better chance to catch these changes early, when they’re easiest to manage.

What's Included in a Senior Wellness Visit?

A senior wellness visit typically includes a full physical exam, bloodwork, urinalysis, and a conversation about your pet’s mobility, appetite, and daily habits at home. [Placeholder: MHAH’s specific senior wellness panel details pending confirmation.]

What Are Common Signs of Aging I Should Watch For?

Slowing down on walks, stiffness after resting, cloudy eyes, weight changes, and increased thirst or urination are all worth mentioning at your pet’s next visit, even if they seem minor.

How Do I Schedule a Senior Wellness Exam?

We believe in upfront, transparent pricing. You’ll get a written estimate before any testing begins. [Placeholder: pricing to be added later.] Call us at (408) 779-7325 or email morganhillvet@gmail.com to schedule your senior pet’s next exam. Reviewed by Dr. Jaspal Harika, DVM. This page is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for an exam by a licensed veterinarian; if your pet is having an emergency, contact Morgan Hill Animal Hospital or your nearest emergency animal clinic right away.
Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always ready to assist you. Your pets health, our priority anytime, anywhere.

Around age 7 for most dogs, but earlier for large and giant breeds, a Great Dane is senior by 5 or 6, while a Chihuahua may not be until 9 or 10. Cats are generally considered senior around 10. Your vet will tell you when it’s time to shift your pet’s care routine.

Twice a year. Pets age much faster than we do, so a twice-yearly exam for a senior is like a checkup every three to four years for a person. More frequent visits catch kidney, thyroid, heart, and joint changes while they’re still easy to manage.

Hesitating at stairs or the car, stiffness after rest, slowing on walks, licking at joints, or reluctance to jump. Many owners chalk it up to “just getting old,” but arthritis pain is real and very manageable. If you’re seeing these signs, an exam is worth it.

Beyond the physical exam: bloodwork to check kidney, liver, and thyroid function, a urine test, blood pressure, and sometimes X-rays or ultrasound if something needs a closer look. These build a baseline, so we can spot a trend before it becomes a problem.

Weight loss in a senior cat is always worth a vet visit, even if they seem fine otherwise. Common, treatable causes include thyroid disease, kidney changes, and dental pain. The sooner we find the reason, the more we can do. Call us at (408) 779-7325.

Soft bedding away from drafts, rugs or traction mats on slick floors, ramps or steps to favorite spots, food and water within easy reach, and short, regular walks rather than weekend marathons. Keeping weight in check helps aging joints more than almost anything else.

OTHER WELLNESS & PREVENTIVE SERVICES

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide a full range of services to keep your pets healthy

SERVICES
Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always ready to assist you. Your pets health, our priority anytime, anywhere.

We offer wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, diagnostics (X-rays, ultrasound), and surgeries (spay/neuter, orthopedic) for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Call (408) 779-7325 or use our online contact form to schedule a visit.

Trusted since 1970, Morgan Hill Animal Hospital delivers compassionate care with an experienced team, advanced technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With a 4.3-star Google rating (59 reviews) and a 4.4-star Yelp rating (174 reviews), we’re a top choice in Morgan Hill. Call (408) 779-7325 to experience our care.

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide expert veterinary care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in Morgan Hill, CA. Our services, including wellness exams, dental care, diagnostics, and surgeries, are tailored to meet the unique needs of each pet. Call (408) 779-7325 to schedule an appointment.

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What Our Clients Say​

Hear from pet owners who trust Morgan Hill Animal Hospital for their furry friends’ health and happiness.

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Full-service veterinary care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in Morgan Hill, CA. Treating your pets as our own since 1970.

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