As our pets grow older, their health needs change. At Olive Tree Animal Hospital, we believe that proactive, preventive care is the key to helping your senior pet live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.
Starting around age seven, pets begin to enter their senior years—a time when regular wellness checkups, early disease detection, and lifestyle adjustments become essential. Whether your companion is slowing down a bit or still full of energy, understanding how to care for them as they age can make all the difference.
Understanding Senior Pet Health
Aging is a natural part of your pet’s life, but it often comes with physical and metabolic changes. Senior dogs and cats are more prone to conditions such as:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Dental disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancer
By scheduling consistent veterinary visits, you can help identify and manage these issues early—before they progress or cause discomfort.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection allows veterinarians to catch subtle signs of disease before they become serious. Through routine screenings, we can recommend supplements, medications, or diet changes that improve your pet’s quality of life.
Common conditions identified through screening include:
- Declining organ function (kidney or liver)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Bladder stones
- Arthritis
- Early-stage cancer
When caught early, many of these conditions can be treated or managed successfully, allowing your pet to stay active and happy well into their senior years.
Recommended Screening Tests for Senior Pets
To provide the most comprehensive care, Olive Tree Animal Hospital recommends a combination of diagnostic tools tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health history:
- Comprehensive Blood Panel & Urinalysis: Evaluates overall health and organ performance.
- Heart Disease Marker (Cats & Dogs): Detects early cardiac changes, especially useful for cats.
- Cancer Detection Blood Test (Dogs Only): Recommended starting at age four for purebred dogs.
- Lymphoma Detection Blood Test (Dogs Only): Identifies early risk for certain cancers.
- X-Rays: Examine bones, joints, and internal organs for arthritis or growths.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Visualizes internal organs to detect tumors, stones, or abnormalities.
- EKG & Blood Pressure: Monitors heart rhythm, blood pressure, and cardiac health.
These tests provide a clear picture of your pet’s internal health—helping our veterinary team detect potential problems before symptoms appear.
Watch for Subtle Changes
Even small shifts in your pet’s daily behavior can indicate health changes. Keep an eye out for:
- Decreased appetite or weight fluctuations
- Slower movements or stiffness after resting
- Changes in bathroom habits
- Increased thirst or urination
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or confusion
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a senior wellness exam to ensure your pet receives timely care.
Ongoing Senior Pet Wellness at Olive Tree Animal Hospital
At Olive Tree Animal Hospital, we’re committed to supporting your pet through every stage of life. Our Senior Wellness Program, available each November and throughout the year, offers discounted diagnostic screenings to make preventive care easier and more accessible.
Ask our team about current Senior Wellness Packages when booking your pet’s next visit.
Give Your Senior Pet the Best Quality of Life
Your pet has spent a lifetime providing companionship, love, and joy—now it’s time to return the favor. Regular checkups, early detection, and proper nutrition can keep your senior dog or cat feeling their best for years to come.
Schedule your senior wellness appointment today and let’s work together to keep your pet healthy, happy, and thriving in their golden years.