As pets age, their healthcare needs change, and regular monitoring becomes even more important. At Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, we are dedicated to helping your senior dog or cat enjoy the highest quality of life possible through early detection, proactive care, and personalized treatment plans.
We recommend comprehensive wellness examinations every six months to monitor for common age-related conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, kidney and liver disease, heart disease, endocrine disorders, cancer, and cognitive dysfunction.
Our senior wellness program goes beyond the physical exam. We offer advanced diagnostics and supportive therapies including senior blood work, urinalysis, blood pressure monitoring, cancer screening, digital radiography, ultrasound referrals, cold laser therapy for arthritis and chronic pain, nutritional counseling, mobility support, and individualized pain management.
At Cascade Heights, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for senior pets. Our goal is to partner with you to develop a comprehensive plan focused on your pet’s comfort, mobility, and overall well-being. By working together, we can tailor recommendations to your pet’s medical needs, your family’s goals, and the lifestyle that allows your companion to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
Senior Wellness Care FAQs
How often should my senior dog or cat see the veterinarian?
We recommend that most senior pets have a comprehensive wellness examination every six months. Because pets age much faster than people, significant health changes can occur in a relatively short period of time.
Twice-yearly visits allow us to detect problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, dental disease, or cancer earlier—often before your pet shows obvious signs of illness. Early diagnosis frequently leads to more treatment options and a better quality of life.
What changes should I watch for as my pet gets older?
Many owners assume slowing down is simply a normal part of aging, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Contact us if you notice changes such as:
- Difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or jumping
- Increased sleeping or decreased activity
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Increased drinking or urination
- Bad breath or difficulty eating
- Confusion, pacing, or changes in sleep patterns
- New lumps or bumps
- Changes in appetite or behavior
At Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, we’ll help determine whether these changes are expected aging or signs of a condition that can be treated.
What services does Cascade Heights offer to help senior pets stay comfortable?
Our goal is to help your pet enjoy as many happy, comfortable years as possible. We offer a wide range of services tailored to senior pets, including:
- Comprehensive wellness examinations
- Senior blood work and urine testing
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Cancer screening
- Digital radiography and ultrasound referrals
- Cold laser therapy for arthritis and chronic pain
- Pain management plans
- Weight management and nutritional counseling
- Dental care
- Mobility and arthritis support
Every senior pet receives an individualized care plan based on their specific health needs and lifestyle.
My senior pet seems to be slowing down. Is there anything that can help?
Absolutely. Many older pets become less active because they’re experiencing pain from arthritis or other age-related conditions—not simply because they’re “getting old.” The good news is that there are many ways we can improve their comfort.
Depending on your pet’s needs, we may recommend medications, joint supplements, cold laser therapy, weight management, therapeutic exercise, or dietary changes. Our team works closely with you to develop a personalized plan that keeps your pet comfortable and active for as long as possible.
Why is early detection so important for senior pets?
Many diseases, including kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and some cancers, begin long before pets appear sick. Routine wellness exams and screening tests allow us to identify subtle changes early, when treatment is often simpler, more effective, and can significantly improve both quality and length of life.
At Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, we believe senior pet care is about more than treating disease—it’s about building a comprehensive plan that focuses on prevention, comfort, and helping your pet enjoy their golden years with the people who love them most.