As pets age, health changes can happen quietly—long before you see obvious symptoms. That’s why routine bloodwork is one of the best tools we have for catching issues early and keeping senior dogs and cats comfortable.
➡️ Wellness care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/wellness-care/
➡️ Request an appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
What “senior” means (and why it varies)
A giant-breed dog may be considered senior earlier than a small dog. Cats often show “senior changes” subtly.
Your veterinarian can recommend a schedule based on:
- Breed/size
- Current health conditions
- Medications
- Lifestyle
What senior bloodwork can reveal
Routine labs may help detect:
- Kidney disease
- Liver changes
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease (especially common in older cats)
- Anemia or inflammation
- Early signs of infection or chronic disease
Finding problems early often means more options, lower costs, and better quality of life.
How often should seniors have bloodwork?
Many senior pets benefit from:
- Wellness exam every 6 months
- Routine labs annually, sometimes every 6–12 months depending on risk
Signs your senior pet needs a check sooner
Schedule an exam if you notice:
- Increased thirst or urination
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss or gain
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Bad breath or dental changes
- Stiffness or slowing down
- Behavior changes (hiding, confusion)
➡️ General medicine: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/general-medicine/
Schedule senior wellness
➡️ Wellness care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/wellness-care/
➡️ Request appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
