Adult and Senior Pet Wellness in Lubbock, TX
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and nutrition, pets are living longer than ever. That is wonderful news, but longer lives also mean more time for chronic illnesses and age-related conditions to develop. At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, we offer and encourage preventive medicine for adult and senior pets, with a focus on early disease detection and wellness programs that help your companion stay comfortable and active in their later years.
Early detection is vital to successful treatment. In addition to wellness exams, we recommend diagnostic screening such as bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal exams, blood pressure checks, and x-rays when appropriate. These tests help us catch problems long before they become serious. Our veterinarians are always happy to explain these diagnostic options and what they mean for your pet.
Why Senior Pets Need More Frequent Care
Dogs and cats age much faster than people, and they cannot tell you when something is wrong. A year in your pet’s life can bring changes equal to several human years. Pets 7 years and older are more susceptible to conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver and gastrointestinal disorders
- Thyroid disease
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Dental disease
- Eye abnormalities and vision loss
- Cognitive changes
That is why we recommend wellness exams every six months for pets 7 years and older.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Contact us if your adult or senior pet shows any of these red flags:
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Excessive drinking or urination
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or reduced activity
- Behavioral changes or confusion
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Skin lumps, growths, or irritation
- Bad breath, plaque on teeth, or bleeding gums
- Ear odors, ear redness, or scratching at the ears
- Lameness, stiffness, or sensitivity to touch
Comfort-Focused Care for Aging Pets
In addition to high-quality traditional medicine, we offer a wide variety of complementary therapies that can be especially helpful for older pets, including laser therapy, acupuncture, and canine rehabilitation. These options can ease arthritis pain, improve mobility, and support quality of life, often alongside or in place of long-term medications.
To schedule a senior wellness exam, call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Care
At what age is my pet considered a senior?
Most dogs and cats are considered seniors around 7 years of age, although large and giant breed dogs may age sooner.
How often should senior pets see the veterinarian?
We recommend wellness exams every six months for pets 7 years and older to catch age-related changes early.
What screening tests are recommended for senior pets?
Common senior screening includes bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, blood pressure checks, and x-rays when needed.
What are common health problems in older dogs and cats?
Senior pets are more prone to arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, dental disease, cancer, and vision changes.
How can I help my senior pet with arthritis?
Options include weight management, pain medication, joint supplements, laser therapy, acupuncture, and canine rehabilitation. Our veterinarians will recommend a plan for your pet.
Is increased thirst a concern in older pets?
Yes. Excessive drinking and urination can be signs of kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions and should be checked by a veterinarian.
Can senior pets safely have anesthesia?
Many senior pets can safely undergo anesthesia with pre-anesthetic bloodwork and careful monitoring. Our veterinarians evaluate each pet individually.
