Published: August 28, 2026 | Reviewed: August 28, 2026
Your senior pet may still seem comfortable, but internal aging changes can begin before visible signs appear. Many dogs enter their senior years around age seven, with giant breeds aging earlier, while cats are generally considered senior after age 10. Pets often hide pain, joint discomfort, and organ changes until conditions become advanced, making senior pet health screenings essential.
As trusted veterinarians in Tampa, FL, Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre is a proudly independent practice serving North Tampa since 1995, providing proactive, advanced senior pet diagnostics.
The Role of Advanced Senior Diagnostics
A physical examination guides every senior screening plan. Low-radiation digital X-rays with board-certified veterinary radiologist review help evaluate lung changes and heart size, while ultrasound helps assess internal organ structure and changes in real time.
Painless ECG/EKG testing evaluates heart rhythm and can help investigate symptoms such as fainting or heart murmur symptoms. Early screening can help detect conditions such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and diabetes, while also helping determine possible causes of why your cat is breathing fast., as well as other signs of potential cardiac concerns. Blood chemistry panels, CBC testing, organ checks of the kidneys and pancreas, and urinalysis help identify early metabolic shifts.
Catching Common Senior Health Conditions Early
Early screening detects chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and diabetes before they progress. Cats are more prone to hyperthyroidism, while dogs commonly experience hypothyroidism. Tampa’s warm climate supports year-round heartworm transmission, making health screenings important for aging pets.
Joint evaluations can identify osteoarthritis early, allowing veterinarians to guide holistic care or orthopedic treatment before mobility declines. Senior pets also become more vulnerable to contagious illnesses as immune systems weaken, making tailored vaccination schedules important.
The Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre Advantage
Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre has provided senior pet wellness care to North Tampa families since 1995. Dr. Timothy Hodge and senior health care technician Paula Hendrickson, with over 16 years of experience in aging pet care, provide personalized diagnostic support.
As an independently owned practice, the clinic follows Well-Managed Practice® values, allowing the team to create individualized care plans without corporate mandates or rigid quotas. Senior wellness packages help make diagnostic bloodwork and diagnostic testing easier to manage.
Complete in-house services include professional teeth cleaning, prescription diets, surgery, and state-of-the-art boarding, providing convenient options for your pet’s teeth cleaning needs.
Recommended Screening Schedules for Senior Dogs and Cats
Senior pet wellness exams every six months help track internal changes early. Between visits, monitor:
- Weight: Sudden gain or loss
- Water intake: Drinking more or less than usual
- Sleep: Increased sleeping or restlessness
- Hearing: Slower response to sounds
- Gait: Stiffness, limping, or difficulty with stairs
Whether you need tips on caring for your senior dog or a wellness plan for your aging cat, you can count on us for tailored care and recommendations.
Trust Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre With Your Pet’s Golden Years
Senior pet health screenings empower Tampa pet owners to detect early signs of health changes and help keep aging pets active and comfortable. If your cat’s appetite changes, our guide on when a cat not eating is an emergency can help you decide when to contact us.
Ready to safeguard your aging companion’s health in North Tampa, FL? Call Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre at (813) 994-6929 or book online to schedule a comprehensive senior health screening with Dr. Timothy Hodge and our experienced team.
