As our beloved pets grow older, their healthcare needs change—and routine wellness visits become more important than ever. Just like aging humans, senior pets benefit from more frequent checkups, early detection of health issues, and specialized care tailored to the aging process. At Gardens Animal Hospital, we’re passionate about keeping your senior pet happy, comfortable, and thriving in their golden years.
What Defines a Senior Pet?
Generally, dogs and cats are considered seniors by age 7, though this varies by breed and size. Larger dogs tend to age more quickly than smaller breeds. Once your pet enters this life stage, preventive care plays a crucial role in maintaining their quality of life.
You can learn more about our specific senior pet care services on our Senior Pet Care page.
Why Routine Testing Matters
Senior pets should visit the veterinarian at least every six months, even if they seem healthy. Aging often brings subtle changes that go unnoticed at home. These visits allow us to monitor for early signs of disease and adjust care plans proactively.
Routine blood panels are a key component of senior wellness. These tests help identify:
- Kidney and liver function issues
- Diabetes
- Thyroid imbalances
- Anemia or infections
Bloodwork, combined with a urinalysis and physical exam, offers a comprehensive snapshot of your pet’s internal health. For more about senior pet bloodwork, schedule an appointment.
Weight Management and Nutrition
Weight plays a huge role in how well your pet ages. Both obesity and unintentional weight loss can signal underlying issues. Senior pets are more prone to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease—all of which are impacted by weight.
Our team can help you select an appropriate diet, portion sizes, and feeding schedule to support your pet’s changing metabolism. The AAHA Senior Care Guidelines also offer useful insights on managing nutrition for older pets.
Pain Screening and Mobility
Many senior pets experience discomfort, especially from arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases. However, animals often hide pain instinctively, making regular screenings essential. Signs of pain may include:
- Limping or stiffness
- Difficulty getting up
- Changes in behavior or sleep
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
We use pain assessments and mobility evaluations during wellness visits to determine whether your pet might benefit from treatment—such as supplements, medications, laser therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
How Often Should Senior Pets Visit the Vet?
While annual checkups may suffice for younger pets, seniors need more frequent monitoring. We recommend twice-yearly exams for most older pets. These visits allow us to track trends, update lab work, and modify treatment as needed.
For pets with chronic conditions, more frequent visits may be necessary to maintain comfort and health.
Your Partner in Senior Pet Wellness
Aging doesn’t mean slowing down completely—it just means adapting care to support comfort and vitality. Whether your senior pet is just starting to show signs of aging or has special medical needs, we’re here to help every step of the way.
To schedule a senior pet wellness exam, give us a call or book an appointment online via our petportal. Together, we can keep those tails wagging well into the golden years.
