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Senior Pet Care

Thoughtful senior pet care in Gilford, NH, including age-specific testing, joint and cognitive support, and pain relief with Solensia and Librela.
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Senior Pet Care for Dogs and Cats in Gilford, NH

As pets grow older, their needs change in ways that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. What once were small quirks in behavior or occasional stiffness might now signal the beginning of deeper medical needs. Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic offers thoughtful, experienced care for aging dogs and cats in the Lakes Region, focusing on maintaining comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Helping Pets Age Gracefully in the Lakes Region

Aging isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a new life stage. Our team supports this transition with attentive care that respects your pet’s history and your bond. Whether it’s the senior cat who’s just a little slower to greet you or the golden retriever who’s begun to hesitate before climbing the stairs, we’re here to help your companion age with dignity.

We serve clients from Gilford, NH, and surrounding communities with senior pet care rooted in communication, local values, and the kind of thorough diagnostics that guide smart, proactive decisions.

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Senior Pet Care

What Senior Pet Care Includes

Age-Specific Testing That Guides Smart Choices

Routine testing becomes even more important as your pet enters their senior years. We recommend annual or semi-annual wellness panels that include:

  • Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry panels)
  • Urinalysis
  • Thyroid testing
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Weight tracking

These diagnostics help us catch issues like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid imbalances before they become major problems. Early detection doesn’t just lead to better outcomes—it helps you make informed choices before symptoms affect quality of life.

Comfortable Pets Move More: Pain Relief with Solensia and Librela

Many pets suffer from arthritis in silence. That’s why Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic offers the latest in pain management options. Solensia and Librela are monoclonal antibody therapies designed to relieve osteoarthritis pain—without the side effects of traditional NSAIDs.

  • Solensia is used for cats and targets nerve growth factors linked to pain.
  • Librela provides pain relief for dogs, improving movement and willingness to engage in everyday activities.

These monthly injections offer relief that builds over time, making everyday tasks like jumping onto the couch or going for walks more comfortable again.

Joint and Cognitive Support Supplements

While medications can do a lot, supplements play a supportive role in preserving mobility and brain health. Our team often recommends:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids for joint lubrication and anti-inflammatory effects
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin blends to support cartilage
  • SAMe and antioxidants to protect cognitive function

Together, these tools help maintain an active, engaging lifestyle for your pet.tting toolbar.

Mobility and Quality-of-Life Assessments

One of the most valuable services we provide for senior pets is regular, personalized quality-of-life evaluations. These check-ins focus on:

  • Mobility scoring
  • Pain assessment
  • Appetite and digestion
  • Sleep and social interaction changes

We use these assessments to adapt your pet’s care plan and make sure you’re never alone in making big decisions. Whether your pet is still romping around or beginning to slow down, you’ll always have guidance based on clear observations and medical insight.

Individualized Care from People Who Know You

Individualized Care from People Who Know You

Care for older pets isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our approach is rooted in collaboration. You know your pet best—our job is to listen and offer the tools to keep them feeling their best. Because Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic is locally owned and operated, we’re able to offer a consistent team, thoughtful appointment scheduling, and genuine follow-ups.

This means that whether your dog needs Librela injections every month or your cat is on a new supplement for memory support, we’ll stay involved in your pet’s health in meaningful, manageable ways.

Serving Gilford and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic isn’t a corporate chain. We’re a community-based practice dedicated to keeping Gilford’s pets—and their people—happy and healthy. From Squam Lake to Lake Winnipesaukee, families in the Lakes Region trust us to care for their pets like our own.

Specialized Care for Your Aging Pet's Comfort and Well-being | Call Us Today!

Aging pets do best with regular check-ins. If your dog or cat is entering their golden years—typically age 7 and up—it’s time to consider a senior wellness exam. These visits help set a baseline and allow us to start a plan focused on long-term comfort and health.

Call us at (603) 524-8900 or use our online appointment tool to schedule your visit.

Frequently Asked Question
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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Care

We recommend every 6–12 months, depending on your pet’s health. More frequent visits help catch changes early and adjust care accordingly.

Typically, cats and small dogs are considered seniors around age 7, while larger breeds may show signs earlier, around age 6.

Yes, both are FDA-approved and designed specifically for pets with osteoarthritis. Most pets tolerate them very well with minimal side effects.

Wandering, confusion, changes in sleep, or forgetting house training can signal cognitive changes. We offer guidance and supplements that support brain health.

We do! Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic is one of the few practices in the area that accepts Trupanion direct pay, making senior care more accessible for families.