At six, many dogs and cats still look and act much as they always have. That’s when senior pet wellness care can be especially useful. It gives us a chance to look more closely at their health, establish a baseline, and discuss what they may need in the years ahead. At Rainbow Veterinary Hospital in Burbank, our veterinarians consider your pet’s history, examine them carefully, and explain what, if any, screening makes sense.
To schedule a senior wellness visit, call (818) 846-1166.
Why Start the Conversation at Age 6?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) makes an important distinction in its senior care guidelines: there’s no single age at which every dog or cat becomes a senior. Species and breed affect how pets age, and medical history matters too. We use age six as a prompt to plan ahead, not as a cutoff that calls for the same tests for every pet.
What Happens at a Senior Wellness Visit?
Senior wellness builds on regular pet wellness care. AAHA’s guidance on evaluating healthy senior pets emphasizes a thorough history and physical exam. We’ll ask about changes you’ve noticed in appetite, weight, thirst, sleep, mobility, or behavior, then examine your pet and discuss any findings. Depending on what we learn, we may also talk about dental health, nutrition, activity, comfort, and preventive care.
Screening Based on Your Pet’s Needs
An exam can’t answer every question about internal health. Depending on your pet’s history, symptoms, and exam findings, we may recommend bloodwork, urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests. Results can give us information to compare over time and help guide follow-up care. Our in-house laboratory supports testing, and X-rays may be considered when medically appropriate. Age alone doesn’t determine which tests your pet needs.
Changes Worth Mentioning
Please tell us if you’ve noticed:
- Trouble getting up, climbing stairs, jumping, or keeping up on walks
- Changes in appetite, weight, thirst, or bathroom habits
- New lumps, coughing, bad breath, or difficulty chewing
- Changes in sleep, interaction, or behavior
These signs can have different causes, so we won’t assume they’re simply part of aging. If a change is sudden or concerning, call us rather than waiting for a routine visit. When comfort or mobility is a concern, we can also discuss pain management.
Schedule Senior Pet Wellness Care in Burbank
Whether your dog or cat is nearing six or has been in their later years for some time, we’ll help you decide what care makes sense now. Call Rainbow Veterinary Hospital at (818) 846-1166 to schedule a senior wellness visit.