Senior Pet Care in Sandy Springs, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is a vet in Sandy Springs, GA, that cares for senior dogs and cats, usually those about 7 years and older. For most older pets, the vet suggests an exam every six months and blood work at least once a year.

Aging is not a disease, but it changes what a checkup needs to look for. Kidney values, teeth, joints and weight can shift in a few months, and older pets are good at hiding it.

Call (678) 673-3977 or book a senior visit online.

When is my dog or cat a senior?

Most cats and small to medium dogs are considered senior at about 7 years old at Petfolk Sandy Springs. Large and giant breed dogs often age sooner, around 5 or 6. Your vet will look at your pet's breed, size and health, not just the birthday.

What does a senior visit check?

A senior visit at Petfolk Sandy Springs adds a few things to the usual nose-to-tail exam:

• Weight and muscle: loss over the back and hips can be an early sign of illness or arthritis.

• Mouth: older pets often have sore teeth they eat around.

• Joints: the vet watches your pet walk and gently checks hips, knees and spine.

• Heart and lungs: new murmurs or coughs are more common with age.

• Blood and urine tests: these look at kidneys, liver, thyroid and blood sugar.

• Eyes, ears and lumps: new growths get measured and noted.

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). That gap reflects how often early kidney and thyroid changes show up in older cats.

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic. For stiff or anxious seniors, the team works on the floor or in your lap when it helps.

Changes worth mentioning at home

Write these down and bring them to the visit:

1. Drinking or peeing more than before

2. Slower on stairs, slipping on floors, or not jumping onto the couch

3. Eating differently, dropping food, or bad breath

4. Sleeping more, or pacing at night

5. New lumps, or old ones that grew

6. Confusion, like staring at walls or getting stuck in corners

None of these is "just old age" until a vet has checked it. Many have treatments that make daily life easier.

I have a senior dog and am entrusting all her care to Petfolk Sandy Springs.

Mimi G., Google review

How much does senior care cost?

A senior wellness exam at Petfolk Sandy Springs starts at $99, or is included with PetfolkCare, which starts at $199 a year. Blood work and other tests are priced separately. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment, and the final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Keeping older pets comfortable in Sandy Springs

Hot, humid Georgia summers are harder on older dogs, especially those with heart or breathing problems. Walk early or late, keep outings short, and bring water. For stiff joints, short, flat loops beat one long hike. Rugs or runners on slick floors help pets with weak hips at home.

Sudden changes in an older pet

A senior pet who collapses, has a seizure, can't stand, or breathes with effort needs a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Abernathy Rd NE. For changes that are new but not severe, Petfolk Sandy Springs offers same-day appointments.

Plan the next senior visit

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is at 6223 Roswell Rd, 365A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Call (678) 673-3977, or start with pet blood work and lab testing to learn what the tests show.

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