Lifestage Wellness Care: Personalized Veterinary Health at Every Age
Summary
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we recognize that pets have different health care needs at every stage of life. Our Lifestage Wellness Care approach ensures that puppies, kittens, adult pets, and seniors receive individualized care based on their age, breed, lifestyle, and environment. Under the direction of Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, our team delivers evidence-based, preventive care with compassion and clinical precision—giving your pet the best chance for a healthy, happy life from day one through their golden years.
Core Areas of Lifestage Wellness
- Regular Vet Visits: Annual or semi-annual physical exams with vital assessments
- Vaccinations: Updated based on age, risk, and region
- Parasite Prevention: Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm control
- Dental Care: Routine exams and cleanings
- Nutrition & Weight Management: Monitored using BCS and MCS
- Exercise & Mental Stimulation: Daily activity suited to pet’s age and breed
- Grooming: Ongoing coat, nail, and skin care
- Safe Environment: Hazard-free home and managed animal exposure
- Transportation: Guidance for safe travel and reducing stress
- Boarding & Grooming Planning: Prepping for time away from home
- Medications & Supplements: Reviewed at each exam
- Client Education: Open communication and trusted resources
- Record Keeping: Documentation of key clinical findings
Tailored Care from the Start
Every pet is unique, and their wellness plan should be too. Lifestage wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist—it’s a dynamic approach based on your pet’s current needs and what’s to come. From growing bones in puppies to joint support for senior cats, our customized plans evolve as your pet does.
Puppies & Kittens
Young pets require more frequent visits to:
- Monitor developmental milestones
- Start vaccine series
- Begin parasite prevention
- Educate owners on nutrition, training, and socialization
Adults
Adult pets typically receive care annually, but some may benefit from semi-annual check-ups depending on lifestyle or breed predispositions. Exams focus on:
- Disease prevention
- Weight and dental management
- Behavioral changes
- Maintenance vaccines and labs
Seniors
Starting around age 7, senior pets should be seen twice a year. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and organ dysfunction are more common. Exams are more in-depth and may include:
- Full blood panels
- Urinalysis
- Advanced imaging
- Pain assessments and mobility scoring
Core Elements of Lifestage Wellness Care
Regular Vet Visits
Each comprehensive wellness exam includes:
- Temperature, pulse, respiration
- Pain assessments
- Body Condition Score (BCS)
- Muscle Condition Score (MCS)
These markers help us evaluate how your pet is aging, adapting, or responding to lifestyle changes. For seniors, we may also perform cognitive health evaluations and mobility checks.
Vaccinations
Our protocols follow AVMA guidelines but are tailored based on:
- Species
- Age and health
- Environment and travel
- Exposure risk to other animals
We also track vaccine schedules and send reminders, so you never miss a booster.
Parasite Prevention
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms can strike year-round. We offer:
- Prescription preventatives
- Intestinal parasite screening
- Tick-borne disease testing
- Counseling for multi-pet households
Dental Care
Dental disease affects 80% of pets over age three. Our dental program includes:
- Routine oral exams
- Full cleanings under anesthesia
- Dental x-rays
- Home dental care guidance
We help prevent bad breath, tooth loss, and systemic disease linked to poor oral hygiene.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Every wellness exam includes:
- Diet evaluation
- Body and muscle condition scoring
- Discussion of feeding habits and food type
We offer specific plans for weight loss, breed-specific nutrition, and aging pets with mobility or metabolic needs.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Keeping your pet active is essential to their wellness. We recommend:
- Breed-specific exercise plans
- Puzzle toys and mental enrichment
- Training techniques for engagement
- Low-impact exercise for older pets
Grooming
We guide owners on grooming best practices, which may include:
- Coat brushing
- Nail trimming
- Bathing schedule
- Skin condition monitoring
This keeps your pet comfortable and reduces the risk of infections or matting.
Safe Environment
Our team provides recommendations on:
- Household toxins (plants, chemicals, foods)
- Proper bedding and toys
- Pet-proofing your home
- Managing interactions with other animals
Transportation
Traveling with pets requires preparation. We can help:
- Address anxiety and motion sickness
- Recommend restraint devices
- Provide calming supplements or medications
Boarding and Grooming Support
If you plan to travel, we help ensure your pet:
- Is up-to-date on required vaccines
- Has care instructions ready
- Feels comfortable with boarding transitions
Medications and Supplements
We review:
- Current prescriptions
- Over-the-counter supplements
- Nutraceuticals and herbal products
- Interactions and necessity of each
Client Education
Dr. Pascetta and our staff are committed to transparency and shared decision-making. We provide:
- Clear, detailed explanations
- Online resources
- Answers to all your questions
- A collaborative approach to long-term care
Record Keeping
We document all findings, including:
- BCS and MCS trends
- Vaccination history
- Lab results
- Imaging and diagnostics
- Progress of ongoing conditions
This complete medical history allows us to track subtle changes over time, ensuring continuity of care and the best outcomes.
Advanced Equipment for Comprehensive Care
Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge tools to support Lifestage Wellness Care:
- EDAN Acclarix AX3 Ultrasound System – for real-time internal imaging
- CTX-IQ Veterinary Laser Therapy – for pain management and healing
- VetOvation Complete Endoscopy System – includes endoscope, otoscope, and rhinoscope for minimally invasive diagnostics
- Bionet Super Air Smart Veterinary ICU – for respiratory support and temperature regulation during recovery
These tools allow us to diagnose and treat faster and more accurately—all under one roof.
Why Lifestage Wellness at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital?
Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, brings a level of expertise shaped by his education from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the top programs in the country. His training in preventive medicine, clinical diagnostics, internal medicine, and surgery informs every decision and ensures that each pet receives modern, personalized, and compassionate care.
Our team’s goal is not just to treat illness but to promote wellness and prevent disease—every day, at every age.
Book your pet’s Lifestage Wellness Exam today and experience veterinary care that evolves with them—because your pet deserves a lifetime of health.