Senior Care for Pets in Lumberton, NC

At Front Porch Veterinary Clinic, we believe our pets deserve gentle, thoughtful care—especially in their golden years. Located right here in Lumberton, NC, our AAHA-accredited clinic is proud to offer compassionate, expert senior pet care for aging dogs and cats. Led by Dr. Elisabeth Stone, our team specializes in creating personalized wellness plans designed to support your pet’s health, comfort, and quality of life.

We don’t just treat symptoms—we treat pets like family. From regular exams to pain management and end-of-life care, we’re here to support both you and your companion every step of the way. Call us today to schedule a consultation and discover how geriatric veterinary care can help your pet live more comfortably, longer.

At Front Porch, we define a geriatric dog or geriatric cat as generally 7 years or older (for smaller breeds and cats) and 5–6 years for larger dogs. However, aging is more than just a number. That’s why we assess each pet based on lifestyle, behavior, and health status.

Our elderly pet care includes comprehensive wellness exams, advanced diagnostics, and pain management strategies that help us catch issues early and improve long-term outcomes. Whether your pet is slowing down or facing chronic conditions, our approach ensures that every visit is focused on comfort, longevity, and compassionate care.

Aging pets often face several common medical challenges. With regular geriatric vet care, we can detect and manage issues like:

• Arthritis or mobility problems
• Kidney disease and other organ dysfunction
• Diabetes
• Dental disease
• Cancer
• Cognitive decline (e.g., changes in behavior or personality, confusion or disorientation)

Early diagnosis makes a major difference in your pet’s comfort and prognosis.

We recommend biannual wellness exams for senior pets. These visits allow us to stay ahead of changes in your pet’s health and make personalized adjustments to their veterinary care.

Each visit may include:

• Full physical exam
• Bloodwork and urinalysis
• Mobility assessments
• Oral health evaluation
• Nutrition and weight discussions

As an AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic, our team follows the highest standards to ensure your pet receives thorough, attentive care.

Pain isn’t always obvious. Senior dogs and cats often hide discomfort, but here are some subtle signs to look out for:

• Limping or stiffness
• Hesitation with stairs or jumping
• Decreased appetite
• Withdrawal or less interaction
• Whining, growling, or vocalizing
• Accidents in the house

Our in-house diagnostics and gentle handling make it easier to identify the cause of pain and offer effective relief.

Cognitive dysfunction is a common condition in aging pets that can affect their memory, behavior, and sleep patterns. Early signs may include:

• Disorientation or confusion in familiar spaces
• Disrupted sleep-wake cycles
• Increased pacing or restlessness
• House soiling or changes in bathroom habits
• Withdrawal from family or increased clinginess
• Barking or meowing at night without reason

If your senior dog or cat is showing these behaviors, we offer cognitive dysfunction support to help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Yes—dental disease is one of the most common and overlooked issues in older pets. Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver, affecting overall health.

We offer dental cleanings, digital dental X-rays, and at-home hygiene guidance to keep your senior pet’s mouth healthy and pain-free.

Saying goodbye is never easy. It is a decision we do not take lightly, and we are here to support you any way we can. Recognizing when it’s time can give your pet the dignity and peace they deserve while helping you make difficult decisions with peace of mind. Our team is here to help you navigate this tender time with compassion and clarity.

Signs that it may be time include:

• Unmanageable chronic pain
• Inability to walk or stand
• Frequent accidents or incontinence
• Loss of interest in food, play, or family
• Noticeable decline in quality of life

Dr. Stone and our team will guide you through your options and support your decisions with empathy and respect.

Choosing elderly dog care or geriatric cat care shouldn’t be stressful. At Front Porch Veterinary Clinic, you’re choosing:

• AAHA-accredited care with elevated medical standards
• A calm, welcoming environment that reduces pet anxiety
• Personalized senior care plans for your pet’s evolving needs
• Clear, open communication that helps you feel confident and supported

Our entire team treats your pet—and you—like family.

Services Offered for Senior Pets:

• Biannual wellness exams
• Annual labwork
• Pain and chronic disease management
• Cognitive dysfunction (dementia) support
• Nutritional and weight management plans
• Dental cleanings and X-rays
• Quality of life consultations
• Outpatient hospice and palliative care
• Compassionate euthanasia