Most dogs and cats count as seniors from about age 7, and from then on a yearly exam with lab work catches kidney, thyroid, joint and dental changes while they are easier to manage. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Ballantyne is a vet clinic on Ballantyne Commons Parkway in Charlotte, North Carolina, that offers senior care for dogs and cats, including arthritis and joint care and pain relief.
Call (980) 300-6982 or book online.
A third of our patients are seniors
From October 2025 to September 2026, 35% of the pets seen at Petfolk Ballantyne were 7 or older, and 20% were 10 or older. Pets 10 or older made up 23% of Ballantyne sick visits in that period.
What does a senior exam check?
A senior exam at Petfolk Ballantyne compares each area with last year. Fear-free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, which matters for a sore or nervous older pet.
Weight and body condition. Weight loss in an older cat can be an early clue to thyroid or kidney disease.
Joints and mobility. The vet flexes each joint, watches your pet walk and feels for muscle loss. Slowness on stairs, hesitating before a jump or stiffness after rest are the usual signs of arthritis, which pets hide well.
Mouth. Sore teeth can quietly cut into appetite. See dental care at Petfolk Ballantyne.
Heart and lungs. A new murmur, an irregular rhythm or a cough can be the first sign of heart disease.
Eyes and ears. Cloudiness is often normal aging of the lens but can be a cataract.
Skin and lumps. New lumps should be checked, and some need a quick needle sample.
Lab work. Blood and urine tests screen the kidneys, liver, thyroid and blood sugar. The blood work page explains each panel.
Behavior and thinking. Night-time pacing, getting stuck in corners or forgetting house training can point to cognitive changes, much like dementia in people.
The American Animal Hospital Association publishes senior care guidelines that many vets use as a framework.
Does my senior pet need blood work every year?
For most senior pets, yes. A yearly blood and urine screen is the norm, and twice a year for pets with a known condition. At Petfolk Ballantyne, 66% of wellness visits for dogs 7 and older included lab work from October 2025 to September 2026.
You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.
The vet and vet techs were all so caring with our elderly dog and us. Ann W., Google review
What to bring to a senior visit
Bring a short list of changes you've noticed, such as drinking more, sleeping in a new spot or skipping the last bites of dinner. A video of your pet getting up, walking or using the stairs helps, since many pets move differently at the clinic. Bring all medicines and supplements, including joint products.
What helps an older pet at home?
Traction. Rugs or runners on slick floors keep arthritic dogs from slipping.
Access. Ramps or steps to the couch or bed, and a litter box with a low entry for older cats.
Steady weight. Measure food, because a few extra pounds make a real difference to sore joints.
Gentle movement. Shorter, more frequent walks usually suit seniors better than one long outing.
Never give human pain medicines to a pet, since several are toxic to dogs and cats. Your vet will go over pain relief options before starting treatment. If you are bringing a stiff senior dog from Blakeney, a non-slip mat in the car and a lift from you make the ride easier.
When does an older pet need a 24-hour hospital?
Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if an older pet collapses, has trouble breathing, has a swollen belly, can't get up or has a seizure. Petfolk Ballantyne does not provide overnight care.
Booking a senior exam in Ballantyne
A veterinarian in Ballantyne can set a plan for stiff joints and routine labs. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Ballantyne, 5335 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28277, sees dogs and cats. Call (980) 300-6982 or book online.
Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Ballantyne, or see all veterinary services in Ballantyne.
Caring for an older dog or cat
Near The Fresh Market