Senior Pet Care

Gentle, tailored senior care for aging dogs and cats in Mandeville. Wellness plans, arthritis support, and chronic disease management with heart.
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Senior Pet Care for Dogs and Cats in Mandeville, LA

Personalized care for every pet’s golden years

As pets age, their needs shift. Maybe your once-springy pup is slower to rise in the mornings. Or your cat, once glued to the windowsill, now spends more time snoozing in warm spots. These small changes can sneak up on pet owners, but they often mark the beginning of important transitions in your companion’s health. That’s why senior pet care matters.

Senior dogs and cats still have so much love to give and with the right support, they can enjoy their later years in comfort and happiness. Our team at Monroe Street Animal Hospital provides kind, down-to-earth care designed just for aging pets. We’re your friendly neighborhood veterinary team, helping you keep your four-legged family members healthy and comfortable as they grow older.

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What Makes a Pet “Senior”?

While every pet ages differently, most cats and small dogs are considered senior around age 7, while larger breed dogs reach that milestone closer to 5 or 6 years old. That might sound early, but pets tend to age faster than people. Subtle changes in their organs, joints, and even brain function can begin long before anything obvious shows up at home.

You might notice stiffness, cloudy eyes, or a change in appetite. But just as often, early signs of aging are invisible without bloodwork or a careful physical exam. That’s where proactive care makes a real difference.

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Senior Wellness with a Focus on Prevention

Regular check-ups are the best way to stay ahead of aging-related conditions. Our veterinary team recommends biannual wellness visits for senior pets, giving us the chance to spot and manage changes early.

A senior wellness visit includes:

A senior wellness visit includes:

Screening bloodwork and urinalysis

Weight and nutrition evaluation

Pain assessment

Lifestyle adjustments based on your pet’s needs

These visits also give you the chance to talk about any new behaviors you’ve noticed at home, whether it’s increased thirst, night pacing, or changes in mobility. We’re here to listen, explain things clearly, and help you make informed choices that work for your pet and your family.

Senior Wellness with a Focus on Prevention

Managing Chronic Conditions with Compassion

Aging pets often face chronic diseases that require ongoing attention. From kidney disease in cats to heart conditions and diabetes in dogs, our goal is to help you manage these issues without stress or overwhelm. We use diagnostics to monitor trends over time and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Common chronic conditions we manage include:

Kidney disease

Heart disease

Diabetes

Cognitive decline

Arthritis and joint degeneration

Hyperthyroidism in cats

We walk alongside you with practical, judgment-free support. Need help giving medication? Wondering if it’s time to switch diets? We’re just a phone call away.

Helping Pets Stay Comfortable with Pain Management & Mobility Support

Helping Pets Stay Comfortable with Pain Management & Mobility Support

A pet who moves more slowly or hesitates on stairs might not be “just getting old”. They could be hurting. Our team is trained to recognize the quieter signs of pain, especially in cats, who are experts at hiding discomfort.

We offer a variety of pain relief options, including:

Anti-inflammatory and pain medications

Joint supplements

Prescription diets

Environmental recommendations (ramps, rugs, non-slip mats)

Helping your pet move more easily can drastically improve their overall wellbeing. You might be surprised at the spring in their step after finding the right treatment approach.

Wellness Plans Made for Senior Pets

To help make care more accessible and predictable, Monroe Street Animal Hospital offers senior wellness plans. These plans are designed to meet the most common needs of aging pets without pushing unnecessary services.

Included in our senior care plans:

Two senior wellness exams per year

Parasite prevention

Routine labwork

Personalized guidance from your veterinarian

Core vaccines if needed

We build these plans around each pet’s lifestyle and health goals. No fluff, no pressure just real care that makes sense

A Place Where Pets (and People) Feel at Home

Stepping into our hospital feels a little like visiting an old friend’s house. That’s not by accident. The building is historic, decorated with family antiques, and filled with personal touches including our clinic cats, like Cheese, who happily supervises the front desk.

We’ve built our reputation on honest, thoughtful care. No guilt-tripping, no pushing unnecessary tests, just a team that truly gets to know you and your pet. Our high number of feline patients and Fear Free certification reflect the extra steps we take to create calm, comfortable visits especially important for senior pets.

Proudly Serving Mandeville and Nearby Communities

Monroe Street Animal Hospital is located in the heart of Mandeville, LA, and proudly serves families throughout Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, Slidell, New Orleans, and nearby areas. Our clinic has been recognized in “Best of St. Tammany” and on Nextdoor for good reason clients appreciate our clear communication, thoughtful care, and down-to-earth approach.

Ready to Support Your Pet’s Next Chapter

Your pet’s senior years can be some of the most loving and rewarding. With a little extra support, they can continue to thrive and keep doing the things they love most, whether that’s sunbathing on the porch, sniffing their favorite walking trail, or simply curling up next to you at night.

 

Give them the comfort they deserve. Schedule an Appointment or call us at (985) 629-4075.

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Ready to Support Your Pet’s Next Chapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Faqs

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Care

Look for signs like slower movement, hesitation on stairs, changes in sleep patterns, or decreased grooming. Cats and dogs both hide pain, so it’s not always obvious. Our team can help evaluate and suggest appropriate treatment options.

We recommend beginning senior wellness visits around age 7 for cats and small dogs, and around age 5-6 for larger dogs. Earlier monitoring can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Yes, though their vaccine schedule may change. Older pets are still at risk for illnesses and parasites. We’ll tailor a prevention plan to your pet’s age and lifestyle.

Senior exams include a full physical, weight check, labwork, dental evaluation, and a discussion about your pet’s behavior, mobility, and nutrition. We also review any chronic conditions.

While it can’t be reversed, arthritis can often be managed successfully. Medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, and therapies like laser treatment can make a big difference.