Senior Pet Care in Fort Myers, FL
Welcome to Tails-A-Waggin Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, where our veterinary team helps older pets stay comfortable, mobile, and well cared for in their golden years.
Understanding Senior Pet Care
As pets age, their health needs change. Senior pet care focuses on more frequent monitoring for the conditions that become more common with age, including arthritis, kidney disease, dental disease, and organ decline. Our senior wellness visits include bloodwork, blood pressure checks, and a detailed physical exam tailored to your pet’s life stage.
Because older pets often hide discomfort well, subtle changes in energy, appetite, or mobility can be early signs of a developing condition. Twice-yearly senior exams give us the best chance to catch these changes early.
At Tails-A-Waggin Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, we combine university-caliber diagnostics with a gentle, low-stress approach that keeps senior pets comfortable throughout every visit.
What to Expect During a Senior Pet Care Visit
Our senior wellness visits in Fort Myers are thorough and designed to catch age-related changes as early as possible.
Comprehensive Bloodwork & Diagnostics
We run bloodwork to screen kidney and liver function, thyroid levels, and blood sugar, along with a urinalysis to check for early kidney or urinary issues.
Joint & Mobility Assessment
We evaluate your pet’s gait, joint range of motion, and muscle tone to identify arthritis or other mobility issues, and discuss pain management and supplement options.
Dental & Nutrition Review
We check for dental disease, which becomes more common with age, and adjust nutrition recommendations for weight management, joint support, or organ-specific diets as needed.
Why Senior Pet Care Is Important for Aging Pets
Senior pets are more prone to chronic and progressive conditions, and early detection often means more comfortable, manageable treatment options rather than emergency intervention later.
Catching Silent Disease Early
Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes often develop with few obvious symptoms until they’re advanced — routine bloodwork can catch them sooner.
Managing Pain & Mobility
Arthritis is extremely common in older pets but often mistaken for normal aging. Proper diagnosis opens the door to pain relief and improved quality of life.
Personalized Life-Stage Support
We tailor diet, supplements, and visit frequency to your pet’s specific age, breed, and health history.
Signs Your Senior Pet May Need a Visit
Contact us if your senior pet shows any of these changes:
- Increased thirst or urination
- Weight loss or decreased appetite
- Stiffness, limping, or difficulty rising
- Confusion, disorientation, or changes in sleep patterns
- New lumps, bumps, or changes to existing ones
If your senior pet is showing any of these signs, please call us rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
How Often Should Senior Pets Be Seen?
We generally recommend senior wellness exams every six months, since health can change quickly in older pets and twice-yearly visits give us the best opportunity to intervene early.
Practice Highlights
At Tails-A-Waggin Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, your pet receives care that goes beyond the basics. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Board-Certified Surgical Expertise: Advanced diagnostics and immediate access to Dr. Báez for complex cases
- University-Level Medical Protocols: Led by Dr. Mercado, a former Clinical Instructor at Mississippi State University
- Low-Stress, Gentle Handling: Fear-free techniques and pediatric-inspired care
- Convenient, Modern Facility: On-site diagnostics and comfortable recovery suites
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments: Fast access for urgent health concerns
- Serving Fort Myers and Surrounding Communities: Welcoming pets from Lee and Collier County
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is my pet considered a senior?
Most dogs and cats are considered senior around 7 years old, though large-breed dogs may reach this stage sooner. Call (239) 482-6897 to discuss your pet’s life stage.
How often should senior pets have wellness exams?
We recommend senior pets be seen twice a year, since health conditions can progress quickly in older pets. Call (239) 482-6897 to schedule a senior wellness exam.
Is my pet’s slowing down just normal aging?
Not always — stiffness or reduced activity is often arthritis or another treatable condition rather than simple aging. Call (239) 482-6897 so we can evaluate your pet.
What tests are included in a senior wellness exam?
Senior exams typically include bloodwork, urinalysis, blood pressure screening, and a full physical exam. Call (239) 482-6897 for details on what’s recommended for your pet.
How do I schedule senior pet care, and what are your hours?
Call (239) 482-6897 or visit us at 11960 Kelly Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8am–6pm, and serve Fort Myers and surrounding communities.
Schedule Your Pet's Senior Pet Care Exam Today
Give your pet the benefit of senior pet care in Fort Myers. Our team at Tails-A-Waggin Animal Hospital & Pet Resort is ready to provide advanced, compassionate care. Call (239) 482-6897 or visit us at 11960 Kelly Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908. We’re conveniently located on Kelly Road between McGregor Blvd. and San Carlos Blvd., open Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm. Let us help your pet live a long, healthy, and happy life.
