Just like people, cats and dogs also start to experience a greater range of health concerns as they get older. This makes regular senior pet wellness visits a crucial part of taking good care of them and helping them live longer.
A pet’s senior years typically start around age 7 for dogs, and around age 10 for cats. And as pets get older, more frequent checkups will help us prevent the chronic diseases that affect many senior pets.
Senior Pet Wellness Visits
When your vet welcomes your cat or dog for a senior wellness visit, you can expect the focus to be on picking up systemic and age-related problems as early as possible. Your pet will still get a physical exam and weight check.
We’ll ask the usual questions about your pet’s eating and bathroom habits, but we’ll also ask you if you’ve noticed any changes in their mobility, vision, hearing, sleep frequency, or whether they appear to experience any confusion or cognitive problems.
We will also draw blood to screen for signs of age-related illness. Age-related problems like arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, kidney disease, and dental disease are all easier to treat when we detect them in their earliest stages.
The goal of these visits is not just to look for signs of illness. We want to help your pet stay active and healthy for as long as possible, and customized diet and lifestyle advice can make a real difference.
Why Senior Pets Need Checkups More Often
An aging pet’s health needs can change almost overnight, so if your pet is starting to show signs of aging, we might recommend wellness visits twice a year instead of once a year. More frequent visits help us catch potential problems before they can cause significant pain and before treatment options get costly.
Age also makes your pet more vulnerable to things like heat exposure and environmental hazards like valley fever. They also have a harder time bouncing back after over-exertion. If you’re ever worried about your pet, let your veterinarian know. With senior pets, even the smallest change in behavior could point to something serious.
Dedicated Veterinary Care for Senior Pets in Gilbert
With regular bloodwork to monitor chronic conditions, dietary adjustments, joint supplements, and mobility supports, elderly pets can overcome many problems. And as your pet gets older, it’s important to have a vet who understands your pet’s health history and gives you trustworthy guidance.
You can find the best healthcare for senior pets at East Valley Animal Hospital. If your pet is due for a checkup, or you’re looking for a new vet in Gilbert, contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 09/11/2026.