Senior Pet Care in Far North Central San Antonio, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is a vet in San Antonio, TX, that cares for senior dogs and cats. Most pets count as seniors from about age 7, and large dogs a little sooner; that's when twice-yearly exams start to pay off.

Older pets change slowly, then all at once. Regular visits help you and the vet notice the slow part, when there's the most you can do.

Call (726) 600-3009 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open weekends.

When is my dog or cat considered a senior?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the vet usually treats cats and small to medium dogs as seniors from about 7 years old. Giant breeds may reach that stage at 5 or 6. Age is only part of it: a 9-year-old who hikes daily and a 9-year-old who sleeps all day need different plans.

What does a senior visit at Petfolk Far North Central check?

A senior exam at Petfolk Far North Central goes further than a standard checkup. The vet looks closely at:

1. Weight and muscle. Older pets can lose muscle over the back and hips even when the scale looks steady.

2. Mouth. Sore teeth often cause slow eating or dropping food.

3. Heart and lungs. New murmurs or a cough get noted and tracked.

4. Joints. The vet watches your pet walk and gently flexes the hips, knees and elbows.

5. Lab work. Blood and urine tests screen kidneys, liver, thyroid and blood sugar.

Senior cats get blood work more often for a reason. Petfolk-wide, older cats were about twice as likely as younger adult cats to have labs at a wellness visit, 34% versus 18% (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). Kidney and thyroid disease are common in older cats and quiet early on.

Changes to tell the vet about

Mention anything new, even if it seems like "just age":

• Drinking more water or larger litter clumps

• Stiffness after naps, or trouble on stairs or into the car

• Weight loss with a normal or bigger appetite

• Confusion, staring at walls, or pacing at night

• Accidents in the house

• A new lump or a lump that's growing

These can point to arthritis, kidney or thyroid problems, or cognitive changes, and most have treatments that help.

Absolutely love this place, first time taking my senior dog Dolly who has arthritis and pain and the staff was incredibly helpful and caring.

Mariana, Google review

How can I keep my older pet comfortable at home?

Small changes help a lot at Petfolk Far North Central's suggestion: rugs on slick floors, a ramp to the couch or car, and a raised bowl for big dogs. In San Antonio's heat, older dogs struggle to cool down, so move walks to early morning and keep them short. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, and stiff, older pets get extra padding and time on the exam table.

What does senior care cost?

A senior wellness exam at Petfolk Far North Central starts at $99, the same as any wellness exam, or it's included with PetfolkCare, which starts at $199 a year. Lab work and medicine are priced separately. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

When it can't wait

If your senior pet collapses, has trouble breathing, or suddenly can't stand, go to a 24-hour hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital Stone Oak. For a slower decline, see pet euthanasia in Far North Central for help with quality-of-life questions.

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is at 18206 Blanco Rd, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78258, near Stone Oak and Encino Park. Call (726) 600-3009.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central, or see all veterinary services in Far North Central.