Senior Canine & Feline Wellness Program

Gold-Standard Care

Bottom Title Dogs and cats age more rapidly than humans, with most pets considered seniors by age 7. As pets age, we anticipate age-related changes to their bodies and organ function, and our care strategy shifts from disease prevention to supportive care and early disease detection.

The sooner your pet’s age-related changes are recognized, the more quickly they can be addressed with medication, therapy, or surgery, potentially slowing their damaging effects and helping your pet’s senior years stay golden.  As part of the senior wellness program, we recommend regular exams—two to four times per year—so we can identify subtle changes in weight, cardiovascular health, oral health, and mobility.  Although each senior pet is an individual, their wellness visit follows a similar model to the adult wellness program. Senior Wellness Program Learn more

Vaccination

Although senior pets may not get out as much, their aging immune systems may make them vulnerable to disease. We’ll review your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors to determine what vaccinations are necessary.

Senior blood work

Annual or semi-annual blood work can provide powerful insight into your pet’s organ health, especially their kidney and liver function. These organs play important roles in metabolizing any medications your pet may need, and are vulnerable to age-related disease.

Urinalysis

Urine testing can tell us more about your pet’s kidney health, and reveal problems, such as infection, inflammation, urinary stones, or cancer along the urinary tract. 

Parasite prevention

Senior pets may be groomed less frequently or have poor self-grooming habits that make it easy for external parasites to hide. Maintaining monthly flea and tick preventives, as well as heartworm prevention, is essential for complete health and comfort.

Infectious disease screening

Dogs are screened annually for heartworm and tick-borne diseases. Although all pets are at risk for these diseases, older pets can be more severely affected, and should be tested regularly.

Fecal testing

Senior pets may develop cognitive issues and be less discriminating in their eating or elimination habits, making it possible for them to pick up intestinal parasites. Routine fecal testing allows us to screen for common intestinal parasites, and treat any infections that may develop.

Nutrition

Senior pets require specialized nutrition to suit their reduced metabolism and changing physiology. We can make tailored recommendations for healthy seniors as well as those with medical conditions requiring a prescription diet.

Dental care

Dental disease can complicate many other senior pet health issues. Our veterinarian will determine if your senior pet could benefit from a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia.