What does the first exam include?

Your pet’s first exam is designed to give us a complete picture of their health. We’ll check weight, heart and lung sounds, skin, coat, eyes, ears, and teeth. Time is also spent reviewing medical history, vaccination needs, and daily habits. This visit allows us to answer questions, address concerns, and begin building a personalized care plan for your pet.

Do you provide emergency or after-hours care?

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and quick action matters. Our hospital provides emergency care day or night, and we maintain close relationships with trusted emergency facilities in the nearby area.

What kinds of veterinary services do you offer?

Our clinic offers comprehensive veterinary care for pets at every life stage, including Preventive Care, Diagnostic Care, Dental Care, Acupuncture, Parasite Protection, Laser Therapy, Surgical Care, Puppy & Kitten Care, Senior Pet Care, and Urgent Care. We create individualized care plans for puppies, kittens, adults, and senior pets, ensuring their unique needs are met. Our goal is simple—providing consistent, thoughtful medical care to support your pet's health throughout their lifetime.

Can I schedule an appointment with a specific vet?

Yes, you can request a specific veterinarian when booking your appointment. We recognize that continuity and trust matter, especially for ongoing care. Your scheduling preferences are taken into account, subject to availability. If your preferred veterinarian isn't available, another experienced team member will step in to provide attentive, high-quality care for your pet.

What can I expect during my pet’s first visit?

Your pet’s first visit focuses on comfort, communication, and care. A full physical exam will be completed, followed by a discussion about vaccinations, nutrition, and daily routines. We’ll take time to listen to your concerns and explain recommendations clearly. The visit is designed to feel welcoming while setting a strong foundation for future veterinary care.

Do you offer spays/neuters?

Spay and neuter procedures are offered for both cats and dogs as part of our surgical services. These routine surgeries can support long-term health and help prevent unwanted litters. Our team follows strict safety protocols and provides detailed instructions before and after surgery to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout recovery.

Where are you located?

Our hospital is conveniently located at 517 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, making it easy for families throughout the surrounding community to access. The clinic offers on-site parking and a welcoming environment for both pets and owners. Whether you’re visiting for routine care or a medical concern, our location is designed to make every visit as smooth as possible.

Why are annual wellness exams important for my pet?

Annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to monitor your pet’s health over time. Subtle changes in weight, mobility, or organ function can often be detected early during routine exams. Catching concerns sooner helps prevent more serious issues later. Regular checkups also ensure that vaccinations and preventive care remain up to date as your pet grows and ages.

How often should my pet get vaccinations?

Vaccination schedules depend on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines during their first year, followed by boosters. Adult pets may need annual or extended-interval vaccines. Our team will recommend an appropriate schedule tailored to your pet, helping protect them from preventable illnesses without unnecessary treatments.

What types of diagnostic tests does your clinic offer for pets?

Diagnostic services include blood work, urinalysis, fecal testing, X-rays, and other in-house testing tools. These tests help identify health issues that may not be visible during a physical exam. Diagnostics play an essential role in accurate treatment decisions, helping us better understand your pet’s condition and respond quickly when concerns arise.

How quickly can I expect to receive diagnostic test results?

Many diagnostic test results are available the same day, especially for in-house blood work and imaging. Some specialized tests may require analysis by an outside laboratory and take a bit longer. Once results are ready, our team will review them with you and explain what they mean, along with any recommended next steps for your pet’s care.

Are any wellness plans available for puppies and kittens?

Wellness plans may be available for puppies and kittens to help cover essential early-life care. These plans often include exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments spread over several visits. They are designed to support healthy development while making care more manageable during your pet’s first year. Our team can review current options and help you choose the option that best fits.

When should I schedule my puppy or kitten’s first vet visit?

A puppy or kitten should see a veterinarian shortly after coming home, typically around six to eight weeks of age. Early visits allow us to begin vaccinations, discuss nutrition, and check for common health concerns. Starting care early helps ensure proper growth and guides you during those critical first months.

How often should senior pets see the veterinarian?

Senior pets benefit from more frequent veterinary visits, usually every six months. As pets age, health changes can happen quickly, and regular exams help detect issues early. These visits allow us to monitor mobility, organ health, weight, and comfort so your pet can maintain a good quality of life as they grow older.

What is included in a senior wellness exam?

A senior wellness exam focuses on age-related changes and comfort. The visit often includes a detailed physical exam, weight evaluation, joint assessment, and diagnostic screening when recommended. We’ll also discuss behavior, appetite, and activity levels. These exams help us identify early signs of conditions common in older pets and adjust care accordingly.

Did you provide pet dental cleanings?

Yes, professional dental cleanings are part of our veterinary services. Dental care helps prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and discomfort that can affect overall health. Cleanings include scaling, polishing, and a complete oral exam performed under anesthesia. Regular dental care supports better eating habits, fresher breath, and long-term wellness for your pet.

How long does a pet dental cleaning take?

A dental cleaning typically takes about one to two hours, depending on your pet’s oral health and whether extractions are needed. The process includes anesthesia, cleaning, polishing, and careful monitoring throughout recovery. After the procedure, we’ll review findings and guide at-home dental care to help maintain healthy teeth.

Do you perform pet surgeries at your clinics?

Surgical services are offered on-site for a variety of routine and medical needs. Our team follows strict safety protocols, including pre-surgical evaluations and careful anesthesia monitoring. From preparation through recovery, we focus on keeping pets comfortable and owners informed. Clear communication before and after surgery helps ensure a smooth experience.

What types of pet surgeries do you offer?

Our surgical services include Spay and Neuter surgeries, Soft-Tissue Surgery, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Tumor & Growth Removal, Hernia Repair, and Foreign Body Removal. Each procedure is tailored to your pet’s specific health needs. Before the surgery, we’ll walk you through the process, recovery expectations, and post-operative care, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priority.

What are the benefits of microchipping my pet?

Microchipping provides permanent identification, increasing the chances of reuniting with a lost pet. Unlike collars or tags, a microchip cannot be removed or lost. The procedure is quick and safe, offering peace of mind that shelters and clinics can identify your pet if they ever wander away.

How long does it take for a pet to recover after surgery?

Recovery time depends on the procedure and your pet’s overall health, but many pets begin feeling better within a few days. Complete healing often takes one to two weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including activity restrictions and pain management, and remain available to answer questions during your pet’s recovery.

Do you serve pets in Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda and West Seneca?

Yes. Ellicott Street Animal Hospital proudly serves patients from Buffalo as well as nearby areas including Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, and West Seneca. Our clinic is conveniently located at 517 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, and we are currently welcoming new patients. Call 716-852-8276 or schedule your appointment online.

Is My Pet Getting Old? How to Recognize the Signs

Name: Ellicott Street Animal Hospital
Address: 517 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, US
Telephone: 716-852-8276
Price range: $$

Back

By Ellicott Street Animal Hospital | September 3, 2025

Share

Pets bring us years of joy, but time affects them just like it affects us. While graying muzzles and slower steps are normal, aging can also bring hidden health challenges. Knowing what to look for ensures your furry companion enjoys a comfortable and happy life. Recognizing the signs of aging early helps you work hand in hand with a vets in Buffalo to create the best senior care plan possible.

From Playful to Peaceful: Physical Signs of Aging

Your once-energetic dog or curious cat may begin to slow down as age creeps in. However, slowing down doesn’t mean life has to become dull—it just means you’ll need to make adjustments. Look for:

A stiffer gait or arthritis-related limping
Cloudy eyes or decreased vision
Hearing loss or slower responses to your voice
Thinning coats or more frequent shedding
Noticeable weight gain or loss

If you notice these changes, it’s time to book an exam at an animal hospital, where experts can guide you through nutrition plans, pain relief, and exercise modifications.

Subtle but Serious: Behavioral Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Sometimes aging doesn’t just show up physically—it affects behavior too. Senior pets may become less patient, more withdrawn, or sleep more than usual. On the other hand, some may suffer from canine or feline cognitive dysfunction, which resembles dementia in humans. Warning signs may include:

Pacing or restlessness at night
Forgetting familiar routines or commands
Increased anxiety or confusion
Accidents indoors despite being house-trained

Whenever you see sudden or concerning behavior changes, a checkup at an animal clinic can rule out whether these signs are simply part of senior aging or connected to a treatable condition.

Appetite and Digestion: A Window Into Aging Health

As pets age, their digestive systems change, and so do their nutritional needs. Some seniors lose their appetite, while others seem hungrier but still lose weight. You may also notice vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea more often. These changes can indicate kidney disease, diabetes, dental issues, or thyroid disorders.

Regular monitoring and consultation with a professional in senior pet care Buffalo ensure your pet gets tailored diets and supplements that keep them healthy at every stage.

Dental Health: A Key Indicator of Aging

Bad breath in an older pet is not just a nuisance—it’s often a warning sign of underlying health problems. Tartar buildup, gum disease, or tooth loss is common in senior pets. Left untreated, dental issues can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, routine dental cleanings and at-home care are vital. Your veterinarian Buffalo can recommend the right oral care strategies and schedule cleanings that improve your senior pet’s overall well-being.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Keeping Age at Bay

Although senior pets may not run as fast or jump as high, they still need movement and stimulation. Gentle walks, puzzle feeders, and soft play sessions keep their bodies flexible and minds sharp. Adjusting the intensity of activities prevents injury while still giving them the joy of staying active. At an animal hospital, you can receive guidance on safe exercise regimens designed specifically for older pets.

When to Seek Professional Senior Pet Care

Knowing when to shift from regular wellness visits to expert senior care is critical. Typically, pets are considered “senior” around the age of seven for dogs and cats, though this varies by breed and size. Scheduling biannual checkups at an animal clinic in Buffalo allows vets to catch age-related issues early. With proper screening and consistent monitoring, your pet can live longer and with better quality of life.

FAQs About Recognizing Aging in Pets

Q1. How do I know if my pet is considered a senior?
Ans. Most pets reach senior status around age seven, but large dog breeds may age faster, while smaller breeds may remain youthful longer.

Q2. Should I change my pet’s diet as they get older?
Ans. Yes, senior pets often need food with fewer calories but enriched with fiber, antioxidants, and joint-supporting ingredients. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Q3. How often should my senior pet see a vet?
Ans. Twice-yearly checkups at an animal hospital are recommended for senior pets to ensure early detection of age-related issues.

Q4. Is it normal for senior pets to sleep more?
Ans. Yes, increased sleep is normal. However, excessive lethargy could point to illness and warrants a visit to an animal clinic.

Q5. Can dental care really improve an older pet’s quality of life?
Ans. Absolutely. Routine cleanings and checkups not only freshen breath but also prevent infections that can affect vital organs.

Q6. What is senior pet care, and why does it matter?
Ans. Senior pet care involves veterinary attention for older pets, including advanced diagnostics, nutrition adjustments, and pain management. It ensures your pet enjoys comfort during their golden years.