Senior Wellness Care for Dogs & Cats in Lenexa, KS
Senior pets deserve a little extra attention. At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, we recommend wellness visits every six months for older dogs and cats, with blood work and urinalysis to detect disease early, plus pain management, nutrition and integrative therapies that help your companion stay comfortable and active in their golden years.
Wellness Is All About Prevention, Early Detection and Education
At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center, preventive and wellness care for every life stage is the cornerstone of our philosophy. From newborn kittens to white-faced senior dogs, we love them all and want to support your bond with your beloved family member. When your pet has been with you for many years, they become irreplaceable members of the family and require a little extra care. Like people, older pets often develop conditions that start slowly but can eventually rob them of the active lives they have enjoyed with you.
Senior Exams and Blood Work Every Six Months
As your pet ages, we recommend visits every six months for senior care and blood work. Because pets age much more rapidly than humans, a six-month exam is comparable to a person seeing their doctor every two to three years. Senior blood work may include urinalysis, kidney and liver function tests, a complete blood count and thyroid testing. These tests can uncover disease that a physical exam alone may not detect. Animals are experts at hiding illness, and by the time they show signs of sickness, disease may be advanced. Finding problems early gives us a much better chance to help your pet.
Vaccines and Tests
Our doctors will help determine which vaccines and tests are most beneficial for your senior pet based on age and lifestyle. When appropriate, we use extended-length vaccine protocols to reduce how often vaccines are given, including vaccine titer tests. Annual parasite screenings are recommended for all dogs and cats.
Parasite Prevention
Our doctors recommend year-round flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention for both indoor and outdoor pets. We will help you choose the products best suited to your pet’s lifestyle, and for your convenience, we dispense the products our doctors recommend most.
Microchipping
A microchip permanently identifies your pet. The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed under the skin. If your pet is lost and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, the chip can be scanned to reunite you sooner. Microchips also provide proof of ownership if a pet is ever stolen, since collars and tags can fall off or be removed. The procedure is quick, inexpensive and could save your pet’s life.
Nutrition for Senior Pets
In our experience, many physical problems in pets stem from the foods they eat. Unlike most veterinarians, we do not use or sell Hill’s Science Diet or Prescription Diet products. Our nutritional consultations and diet recommendations can help with:
- Obesity management
- Diabetes management
- Sensitive stomachs and digestive disease
- Allergy management
- Arthritis management
- Liver, kidney and heart disease
- Urinary tract health
Keeping Senior Pets Comfortable
Aging often brings stiffness, dental problems and declining mobility. Our pain management options, including acupuncture, laser therapy and veterinary medical manipulation for senior comfort and maintenance, help older pets stay active. Regular dental care also keeps senior mouths healthy and pain-free. Learn about all stages of life stage care.
Senior Pet Care FAQs
When is my pet considered a senior?
Most dogs and cats are considered seniors around seven years of age, though large breed dogs may age sooner.
Why do senior pets need exams every six months?
Pets age much faster than people, so six months for a pet is similar to two to three years for a human. Frequent exams help catch disease early.
What blood tests do senior pets need?
Senior screening may include a complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, thyroid testing and urinalysis.
Do senior pets still need vaccines?
Many do, but we tailor vaccines to your pet’s age, lifestyle and health, using extended protocols and titer testing when appropriate.
How can I keep my senior pet comfortable?
Regular exams, pain management, acupuncture, laser therapy, joint-supporting nutrition and comfortable bedding and flooring can all help.
Is it too late to microchip an older pet?
No. Pets of any age can be microchipped, and it is a quick, inexpensive procedure.
Schedule Your Senior Pet’s Wellness Visit
Help your senior pet live comfortably for years to come. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.