Why More Frequent Senior Cat & Dog Exams Are Important
Dogs and cats age much faster than people, which means health changes can progress quickly. Once your pet reaches about 7 years of age or older, twice-yearly senior wellness exams are recommended. These more frequent visits give us the opportunity to:
-
Catch early signs of illness before they become serious or life-threatening.
-
Monitor baseline values with bloodwork, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools.
-
Adjust your pet’s care plan based on changes in weight, mobility, or behavior.
-
Provide proactive treatments that can improve comfort, extend lifespan, and enhance quality of life.
How Is Wellness Care Different for Senior Dogs & Cats?
Senior dogs and cats often experience a gradual reduction in physical abilities, but with the right veterinary care, this process can be slowed and managed. At our Miami animal hospital, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach that considers your pet’s age, lifestyle, and unique risk factors.
For senior pets, we may recommend:
-
Glaucoma check
-
Complete blood count (CBC)
-
Full chemistry blood panel
-
Urinalysis
-
Heartworm test
-
Internal parasite test
-
Abdominal and chest radiographs
-
Blood pressure monitoring
-
Thyroid test
-
Electrocardiogram (as recommended)
These screenings are performed during routine wellness visits and help us identify subtle changes early. By partnering with you, we also consider daily nutrition, activity level, and living conditions to keep your senior pet thriving at home.
