Senior Pet Care in Nichols Hills, OK, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills is a vet in Nichols Hills, OK, that cares for senior dogs and cats, usually those 7 years and older. Older pets do best with a checkup every 6 months, because changes in the kidneys, joints, teeth and thyroid can build up quietly between yearly visits.

Senior care is about time: catching problems while they are small, and keeping your pet comfortable for as long as possible.

Call (405) 251-8816 or book online for a senior checkup.

When is my dog or cat considered a senior?

Most cats and most dogs are thought of as seniors at about 7 years old. Giant breeds age faster and may reach that stage at 5 or 6. Petfolk Nichols Hills looks at your pet's size, breed and health history, not just the birthday, when planning care.

What changes should I watch for in an older pet?

Small shifts at home are often the first clue. Tell the vet if your pet is:

• Drinking more water or peeing more

• Losing weight even though it eats well

• Slow on stairs or slow to stand after a nap

• Sleeping more, or pacing and restless at night

• Having bad breath or dropping food

• Missing the litter box or having accidents in the house

• Growing new lumps or bumps

None of these are "just old age" until a vet has looked. Many have simple treatments.

What does a senior checkup include?

At Petfolk Nichols Hills, a senior visit starts with a full nose-to-tail exam. The vet pays close attention to weight, heart, joints, eyes and teeth, then may suggest:

1. Blood work to check kidney and liver values, blood sugar and blood counts. Across Petfolk, senior cats are about twice as likely to get blood work at a wellness visit as younger adult cats (34% vs 18%, Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

2. A urine test, which helps spot kidney changes and infections.

3. Other checks, like blood pressure for older cats. Ask the team which checks Petfolk Nichols Hills offers.

4. A pain check, with options if your pet is stiff or sore.

The clinic's in-house lab handles many of these tests, so some results come back during the visit. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Gentle care for older bodies

Older pets can be stiff, hard of hearing or easily startled. Fear Free handling is standard at Petfolk, so the team uses soft mats, slow movements and plenty of breaks. A large dog with sore hips can be examined on the floor instead of lifted onto a table.

At home, rugs on slick floors, a raised food bowl and a ramp to the couch can make a big difference.

Keeping a senior dog moving

Short, regular walks keep older joints working. For a change of scene, Paw OK Dog Park on NW Grand Blvd near Lake Hefner has a separate area set aside for senior dogs, away from the rowdier crowd. Bring water, keep the visit short, and stop if your dog starts to limp.

How much does a senior exam cost?

A wellness exam at Petfolk Nichols Hills starts at $99. Lab tests and medicine are priced separately and shown on your estimate first. PetfolkCare membership starts at $199 a year, which can help since seniors visit more often.

When to get help fast

If your older pet collapses, can't stand, has trouble breathing or has a seizure, go to a 24-hour hospital such as VEG Oklahoma City on Pawnee Dr off N Western Ave. For a sudden change that isn't that serious, like a new limp or vomiting, call (405) 251-8816 or come in for a sick pet visit in Nichols Hills.

Visit on NW 63rd St

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills is at 1125 NW 63rd St Suite 1125 C, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, with parking on site, so older dogs don't have far to walk.

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