Watching your companion enter their golden years can evoke a mix of emotions. While it’s bittersweet to see gray hairs appearing on your dog’s muzzle or notice your cat sleeping a bit more, this life stage also brings opportunities to ensure their comfort and quality of life for years to come. At Oasis Small Animal and Exotics Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in senior pet wellness care that helps aging companions thrive.
When is My Pet a Senior?
Most dogs are considered seniors around the age of seven, although some very large breeds are often considered to have reached the senior stage earlier. Cats typically enter their senior years around age nine. Because pets age much more rapidly than humans, diseases and age-related conditions can progress quickly—making proactive monitoring essential.
The Importance of Twice-Yearly Senior Exams
We recommend bringing senior pets in for wellness exams every six months to ensure their ongoing health and well-being. These more frequent visits allow us to:
- Track subtle changes in your pet’s health over time
- Detect developing issues before they become serious
- Adjust treatments as your pet’s needs evolve
- Maintain their comfort and quality of life
Our 30-minute appointments allow us to conduct thorough examinations and discuss your observations about any changes you’ve noticed at home.
Comprehensive Senior Pet Diagnostics
Routine bloodwork is a cornerstone of senior wellness care. Our in-house laboratory evaluates:
- Red and white blood cell counts
- Kidney and liver function
- Pancreatic health
- Thyroid hormone levels
- Blood glucose (diabetes screening)
- Electrolyte balance
These diagnostic tests help us detect common senior conditions, such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease in dogs—often before symptoms appear. Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes.
Depending on your pet’s health history and examination findings, we may also recommend:
- Digital X-rays to assess heart size, lung health, arthritis, and organ changes
- Dental examinations to identify periodontal disease, which becomes increasingly problematic as pets age
- Blood pressure monitoring to detect hypertension
- Urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and detect urinary tract issues
Cognitive Health Matters Too
As pets age, cognitive dysfunction syndrome can affect their behavior and quality of life. Let us know if you notice changes such as:
- Disorientation or getting lost in familiar places
- Changes in sleep-wake cycles
- Incontinence or house-soiling accidents
- Decreased interaction with family members
- Increased anxiety or restlessness
These signs don’t mean you’re out of options—we have treatments and management strategies to help support cognitive function.
Senior Care for All Species
Senior wellness isn’t just for dogs and cats. Rabbits, birds, and other exotic pets also benefit from age-appropriate care. Our exotic pet expertise ensures your companion receives species-specific senior care. We have more treatments and tools than ever to help aging pets live comfortably and happily. From pain management and therapeutic laser to nutritional counseling and mobility support, we’re here to help your frosty-faced friend enjoy their golden years.
Call us at (804) 348-8808 to schedule a senior wellness exam today.