Senior Pet Care in Fishers, IN, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fishers is a vet in Fishers, IN, that cares for senior dogs and cats. Senior care means more frequent checkups and lab work for older pets, so problems like kidney disease, arthritis and dental pain are found while they are still easy to manage.

Most cats and small dogs count as seniors from about 7 to 10 years old. Large and giant breeds age faster and may reach that stage sooner.

Call (463) 208-4426 or book a senior visit online.

When is my pet considered a senior?

There is no single birthday. At Petfolk Fishers, the vet looks at species, size and health. A cat or small dog is often called senior around age 10, while a big dog like a Great Dane may be senior by 6 or 7. If your pet is slowing down, gaining or losing weight, or drinking more water, it's time to talk about senior care whatever the age.

What changes in a senior visit?

A senior visit at Petfolk Fishers builds on the regular nose-to-tail exam. The vet pays extra attention to:

• Weight and muscle: loss of muscle over the back and hips is an early clue.

• Joints: stiffness getting up, trouble on stairs, or not jumping onto the couch.

• Teeth: older pets often have sore teeth and hide it.

• Heart and lungs: new murmurs or a cough.

• Thirst and urine: big changes can point to kidney disease or diabetes.

• Behavior: confusion at night, pacing, or new accidents in the house.

Many vets suggest a checkup every 6 months for seniors, because a year is a long time in an older pet's life.

Does an older pet need blood work every year?

Often, yes. Yearly blood and urine tests give the vet at Petfolk Fishers a baseline, so small shifts in kidney, liver or thyroid values stand out. Across Petfolk, senior cats are about twice as likely as younger adult cats to get blood work at a wellness visit (34% vs 18%, Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). Many results come back during the visit from the in-house lab.

Small changes at home that help

You can make life easier for an older pet with a few simple steps:

1. Put rugs or runners on slick floors so paws don't slip.

2. Add a low step or ramp to the couch or car.

3. Use a litter box with a low side for stiff cats.

4. Keep walks shorter and more frequent.

5. In an Indiana winter, wipe paws after walks; road salt and ice melt can sting cracked pads.

Ask the vet at Petfolk Fishers which of these fit your pet.

Gentle handling for stiff joints

Older pets can be sore and slow. Fear Free and gentle handling are standard at every Petfolk clinic, so the team at Petfolk Fishers lets seniors stand or lie in whatever position is most comfortable during the exam. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

What does senior care cost?

At Petfolk Fishers, a wellness exam starts at $99, and lab work is added only if you agree. PetfolkCare, a yearly membership that starts at $199, includes wellness exams and member chat with a 24/7 care team. Many families with older pets find it useful when questions come up between visits.

When an older pet needs help today

A senior pet who stops eating, can't stand up or seems to be in pain should be seen soon. Book a sick pet visit at Petfolk Fishers. If your pet collapses or can't breathe, go to a 24-hour hospital such as MedVet Indianapolis at 9650 Mayflower Park Dr in Carmel.

Our Fishers clinic

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fishers is at 8711 E 106th St, Suite 160, Fishers, IN 46037, with parking out front so older dogs don't have far to walk.

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