Recognizing the early signs of aging helps us provide timely care and proactive solutions. Common changes include:

• Stiffness or difficulty rising and walking
• Weight gain or muscle loss
• Changes in appetite or drinking habits
• Increased sleep or confusion
• Cloudy eyes, hearing loss, or decreased grooming

If your pet is showing any of these signs, schedule a senior wellness exam. At Goldenrod, we recommend annual or semi-annual checkups to detect issues early and support healthy aging.

In general, small dogs and cats are considered seniors around age 7–9, while larger breeds may show signs of aging closer to 5–6 years old. However, every pet is unique. At Goldenrod, we consider factors like size, breed, lifestyle, and health history to personalize your pet’s care.

We offer a wide range of geriatric veterinary services tailored to support your aging pet, including:

• Comprehensive senior wellness exams
• Diagnostic labwork and digital imaging, such as radiographs and ultrasound
• Pain management and arthritis support
• Nutritional counseling and weight monitoring
• End-of-life care consultations and planning

Small adjustments at home can make a big difference for senior pets. We often recommend:

• Providing orthopedic beds or soft sleeping surfaces
• Installing non-slip rugs or ramps
• Gentle, regular exercise like short walks or interactive toys
• Joint supplements and therapeutic diets
• Encouraging mental stimulation to support cognitive health

Our team will guide you through supportive changes that promote comfort and mobility.

Nutritional needs shift with age. Senior pets often benefit from:

• Fewer calories and higher fiber
• Added joint, kidney, or heart support
• Easily digestible, high-quality ingredients

We’ll help you choose or formulate a diet that supports your pet’s specific conditions, whether they’re managing arthritis, dental issues, or weight fluctuations.

This is one of the hardest and most important questions a pet parent can face. Signs it may be time include:

• Uncontrolled pain despite treatment
• Loss of mobility or appetite
• Withdrawal from family or favorite activities
• Incontinence or distress

We use quality-of-life assessment tools and compassionate conversation to help families make this decision with peace and confidence. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital offers end-of-life pet care focused on comfort, support, and dignity. Options include:

• Compassionate palliative care to manage pain and anxiety
• In-clinic gentle euthanasia with sedation
• Private space for peaceful goodbyes
• Guidance on aftercare, cremation, and memorial options

Our goal is to ensure your pet’s final moments are filled with love and free from suffering.

When a pet is nearing the end of their life, we help you create a supportive environment through:

• Pain control with medications and gentle therapies
• Reducing stress with soft bedding and familiar routines
• Providing emotional closeness and reassurance
• Managing symptoms like nausea or restlessness

Every plan is personalized and centered around your pet’s comfort.

Yes. At Goldenrod, we support the emotional well-being of both pets and their people. We offer guidance during your grieving process and can recommend local and online pet bereavement support resources. We believe the human-animal bond deserves continued care, even after goodbye.

• Deep expertise in pain management, geriatric medicine, and quality-of-life care
• Warm, welcoming environment designed for low-stress visits
• Personalized consultations with Dr. Eli Layman and team
• Trusted by families across Greer, Taylors, and Greenville County
• A true partner in your pet’s final chapter