July Focus: Senior Pet Wellness at Express Vets Oakwood
As July brings warm weather and busy summer plans, it’s also the perfect time to focus on aging pets. At Express Vets Oakwood, we prioritize our senior patients—typically 7+ years old—by offering comprehensive wellness screenings tailored to detect and treat chronic or age-related conditions before they impact quality of life.
1. Why July Is Ideal for Senior Pet Exams
Mid-year often marks a smooth period before fall’s routine changes: family vacations, back-to-school, and seasonal shift. July provides a calm window to schedule thorough checkups and diagnostics when staffing is strong and clients are available. Plus, national awareness efforts—including Pet Wellness Month often spotlighted in July—make it a meaningful time to commit to your senior companion's health.
2. What’s Included in a Senior Wellness Exam?
Express Vets Oakwood’s senior wellness package offers:
- Physical exam: Weight, dental check, thyroid/throat palpation, heart and lung auscultation, joint mobility, and dermatological review.
- Diagnostic labs: CBC, comprehensive chemistry panel, urinalysis to identify early kidney, liver, thyroid, diabetes, or infection indicators.
- Blood pressure and thyroid testing (cats in particular benefit)—helping uncover hyperthyroidism or hypertension before symptoms appear.
- Preventive updates: Senior-safe vaccines, parasite control (heartworm/flea/tick), and mobility vs. weight strategies.
- Nutrition & lifestyle consultation: Tailored herbals, joint supplements, diet changes, or weight management plans.
3. Spotting & Managing Chronic Conditions
- Kidney Disease: Early-stage kidney dysfunction often appears between 7–10 years. Testing allows proactive measures—prescription diet tweaks and hydration strategies.
- Arthritis: Joints stiffen and pets may slow down. We offer pain management options such as anti-inflammatories, nutraceuticals, laser therapy, or mobility plans.
- Dental Disease: Many seniors have unnoticed oral issues. Even mild gingivitis can influence overall health—Dental recommendations and cleanings can improve comfort.
- Thyroid & Heart: Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or heart murmurs may emerge. Early diagnosis is key for medications and monitoring strategies.
4. Optional Imaging & Diagnostics
Following lab and exam findings, we may recommend abdominal X-rays or thyroid ultrasounds if deeper inspection is needed. Having an on-site diagnostic suite allows us to complete these during your visit, giving you immediate answers. This minimizes stress and repeats.
5. Continuity Through Telemedicine
To reduce stress on senior pets, follow-ups often occur via telemedicine—ideal for behavior changes, prescription updates, or progress monitoring. Simple follow-ups don’t require an in-office return, and our team bridges gaps between appointments with planned virtual check-ins.
6. Preparing for Your July Appointment
- Gather a brief history: appetite changes, water intake, activity level, bathroom habits, mobility changes
- Bring any current medications, supplements, or recent lab results
- Prepare questions or concerns: dental issues, joint stiffness, vision changes, behavior episodes
- Consider a short walk before arrival to reduce stress and give us more realistic activity observation
7. Success Story: Millie the Golden Retriever
Millie, a 9-year-old golden retriever, was growing slower during morning walks. During her July senior screening, labs revealed early kidney changes and joint pain. Since starting a kidney-support diet and joint supplements, Millie’s energy is rebounding—and her tail is wagging again.
Your Senior’s Care: One Appointment, Many Benefits
With a single visit this July, Express Vets Oakwood can screen for multiple age-related conditions, offer diagnostics, hand-hold you through medications or nutrition adjustments, and set up virtual follow-ups—all in a calm, efficient environment focused on your aging pet’s needs.
Aging is natural—but preventable complications aren’t. Give your senior companion the proactive care they deserve. Call (678) 989-4747 or visit us at 3715 Mundy Mill Rd. Suite H Oakwood, GA 30566 to book your July senior wellness appointment.
Ensure your older pet gets the summer care that helps them thrive well into tomorrow—because every golden year matters.
