All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Senior Semi-Annual Wellness Exams

Senior Pet Care

Senior Semi-Annual Wellness Exams

Senior pets age quickly. Twice-yearly exams give Dr. Davis the opportunity to catch age-related changes — arthritis, kidney disease, dental disease, cancer — at the earliest, most treatable stage.

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Why Senior Pets Need More Frequent Exams

A dog 6 years or older, or a cat 7 years or older, is considered a senior, and their health can change significantly in just six months. Conditions like chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats, arthritis, cognitive decline, and dental disease often progress silently. By scheduling exams every six months, Dr. Davis can establish a trend line for your pet's bloodwork and physical findings — making it far easier to spot meaningful changes before they become crises.

What's Included in a Senior Wellness Exam

  • Comprehensive physical exam with focus on age-related changes
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Senior bloodwork panel (CBC, chemistry, thyroid) — recommended annually or more often
  • Urinalysis to screen for kidney and bladder disease
  • Dental health assessment
  • Joint and mobility evaluation
  • Weight and body condition monitoring
  • Cognitive function discussion
  • Pain assessment
  • Medication review and adjustments
  • Quality of life discussion

When Does My Pet Become a Senior?

Dogs are considered senior at age 6 and older; cats at age 7 and older. Large-breed dogs may reach senior status a bit earlier — ask Dr. Davis if you're unsure. Rabbits are generally considered senior around age 5–6, and other exotic species vary — Dr. Davis can advise on the right threshold for your specific pet. Once your pet reaches senior status, we recommend transitioning from annual to semi-annual wellness visits.

Managing Chronic Conditions in Senior Pets

Many senior pets live with manageable chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or heart disease. Semi-annual exams allow Dr. Davis to monitor these conditions closely, adjust medications as needed, and discuss quality-of-life strategies so your pet remains comfortable and active for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my pet start semi-annual exams?
Most dogs and cats should transition to twice-yearly exams around age 7. Large-breed dogs may benefit from starting at age 5 or 6. Exotic pets have different aging timelines — ask Dr. Davis what's right for your specific animal.
What bloodwork is recommended for senior pets?
We typically recommend a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive chemistry panel, and thyroid screening annually for senior pets. Urinalysis is also valuable for detecting early kidney disease. Dr. Davis will tailor recommendations to your pet's history and risk factors.
My senior pet seems fine — do they really need exams twice a year?
Yes. Pets are instinctively good at hiding pain and illness — it's a survival mechanism. By the time symptoms are obvious, disease is often advanced. Semi-annual exams catch subtle changes in weight, bloodwork, and physical findings that even attentive owners miss.
Do you see senior exotic pets?
Absolutely. Senior rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles, and birds all benefit from more frequent monitoring. Exotic species often have shorter lifespans and can decline quickly — regular exams are especially valuable for them.
Can I combine a senior exam with other services like dental cleaning?
You can use your semi-annual wellness visit to discuss and schedule a dental cleaning — but the cleaning itself will be booked as a separate, dedicated appointment. Dental cleanings require full anesthesia, several hours of clinic time, and a deposit on file in advance. Dr. Davis will assess your pet's dental health during the exam and help you plan the best timing for the procedure.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

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