Pet Geriatric Care in Arlington, VA

As dogs and cats age, their needs change — and so does their care. At Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic in Arlington, VA, our geriatric care helps senior pets stay comfortable, active, and healthy in their later years, with extra attention and screenings designed to catch age-related concerns early, when they’re easiest to manage.

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Extra Care for Your Senior Pet

Older pets need more attention and special care than they did in their younger years. Our senior wellness approach is designed to detect potential problems early so your pet can enjoy their golden years in comfort. Regular exams are one of the best ways to support a longer, healthier life.

Senior Exams

We recommend a senior exam every six months as medical conditions may suddenly arise with advanced age.

Early Detection

Age-related screening helps us find concerns early, often before you’d notice symptoms at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Caring for an aging pet raises new questions. Here are answers to what Arlington pet owners ask us most about senior and geriatric care at Cherrydale.

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When is my pet considered a senior?

It varies by species, breed, and size, but many dogs and cats are considered seniors around seven years of age — often earlier for large-breed dogs. If you're not sure where your pet stands, our Arlington team is happy to let you know and recommend the right level of care for their stage of life.
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How often should my senior pet be seen?

We recommend a senior exam every six months rather than once a year. Because pets age faster than we do, twice-yearly visits let our team monitor changes closely, run age-appropriate screening, and catch small issues before they become serious.
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What does geriatric care involve?

Geriatric care combines regular senior exams with age-appropriate screening — such as bloodwork and other diagnostics — to monitor your pet's organ function and overall health. The goal is to keep your senior pet comfortable, catch concerns early, and adjust their care as their needs change over time.
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Supporting Comfort and Quality of Life

Growing older often brings changes like reduced mobility, weight shifts, or chronic discomfort. Our focus is on keeping your senior pet comfortable and thriving — through regular monitoring, age-appropriate screening, and supportive options when needed. For pets dealing with pain or stiffness, we may also recommend Pet Acupuncture as a gentle way to support mobility and comfort.

Aging Well, Together

With the right care, your pet’s senior years can be some of their most comfortable.

Your senior pet has given you years of love, and this stage of life is our chance to give back. As a practice built on long-term relationships, we know our senior patients well — which helps us notice subtle changes and tailor their care with the attention and compassion they deserve.
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Familiar, Trusted Care

Knowing your pet over the years helps us spot age-related changes others might miss.

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A Comfortable Approach

We focus on comfort and quality of life at every step of your pet’s senior years.

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