The Critical Role of Health Checks in Ageing Pets
Pets don’t age like people, in fact they age a lot quicker than us! In ‘human years’, a senior pet refers to any cat from the age of 10 years old, and most dogs from the age of 7 years old.
Regular check-ups and testing can help us understand what’s normal for your pet and also catch any problems early on, no matter how old your pet is.
A study of over 200,000 dogs and cats showed that 3 in 5 senior cats and 2 in 5 senior dogs had abnormalities detected in their blood, urine or faecal tests. By catching these health problems early, we can offer improved care which can lead to longer, happier lives for these pets and their families.
Senior Health Care Package
At Lynbrook Vet and Berwick Clyde Vet we have created a special package for our senior pet patients, to ensure we are doing everything possible to pick up any abnormalities or disease as early as possible. This is no different to senior humans getting a regular check with their GP and bloods tests once a year.
Here’s the package:
Our senior health package includes a 40-minute consultation with your vet, comprising of a comprehensive health exam and cost-effective preventative health screening with blood, urine, and faecal tests. It’s designed to give you peace of mind and help your pet maintain optimal health.
To recap, that’s a:
- 40 minute full physical health exam for your senior pet
- Comprehensive blood test
- Faecal test &
- Urine test!
Savings:
Exclusive to dogs from 7 years old and cats from 10 years old, you can save over $300 with our Senior Pet Health Care Package! This is your chance to ensure your senior pets live long, happy lives. It’s incredible value for money, and the peace of mind is priceless!
Below are some tips to help your pet age gracefully and stay happy during their senior years.
Regular Check Ups
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential during this stage of life. We recommend bringing your pet in for a check-up every six months to stay on top of their health. These visits allow us to monitor for conditions like sore joints, dental issues, heart problems, and overgrown nails—things that might not be immediately obvious but can have a significant impact on your pet’s quality of life.
Additionally, we suggest conducting blood, urine, and faecal tests at these visits to detect early signs of kidney, liver, or thyroid disease. By identifying these issues early, we can start treatment or monitoring before your pet shows any symptoms, potentially improving their long-term outcomes.
Dental Care
Maintaining good dental health is crucial as your pet ages. Did you know that 75% of all pets seen by veterinarians have some form of dental disease? It’s a serious issue that can affect their overall health, leading to chronic infections, reduced immune function, and adverse effects on the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. During our senior health checks, we assess your pet’s dental health and can recommend a care plan to keep their smile bright.
Weight Management
Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is important for reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes and severe arthritis. We can help you create a customized weight management program, including exercise routines and dietary recommendations, to keep your pet in perfect shape.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Staying active and mentally stimulated is key to keeping your pet young at heart. We suggest engaging them with puzzles and enrichment toys to keep their minds sharp. Your veterinarian can offer advice on activities and toys that suit your pet’s age and abilities.