Wellness blood tests for our senior pets

Apr 22, 2023

Because our pets cannot talk to us and communicate how they’re feeling, it is important as they enter their senior years that they have regular health checks with our veterinarians and wellness blood checks, so that any potential problems can be detected before they progress.

Our pets age quicker than we do, entering their senior years from 7 years old in dogs and 10 years old in cats. Senior pets can start to display age related health problems, which may slow the animal down, affecting their behaviour, appetite and mobility. It’s important to be aware of the signs of aging in your dog or cat as early detection of age-related disease is vital in ensuring problems can be managed in the years ahead to provide a good quality of life for your pet.

Some symptoms of aging may be obvious, like not lasting as long on their walks, while other signs can be much more subtle – such as changes in their appetite or demeanour. Monitoring your pet’s eating and drinking patterns, body weight, toileting habits and level of mobility are all important so that you can report any changes to your vet.

Common health problems affecting senior dogs and cats include osteoarthritis, obesity, metabolic diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure, bad teeth and changes to their cardiovascular system. Behavioural changes are also common, which can sometimes be related to cognitive dysfunction or may be related to internal metabolic changes or pain.

All senior pets should have regular annual vet checks and six-monthly wellness blood tests, to monitor their health. These blood tests help us monitor internal organs such as the kidneys and liver and can often be the first indicator that something is wrong.

With early intervention, most age-related diseases can be managed to ensure your senior pet remains comfortable, happy and healthy.

Senior pets are the focus during April at Sydney Animal Hospitals with the opportunity for your pet to have a geriatric profile blood test, laser therapy, arthritis support medication and Hills senior dry food at a reduced price. This offer is valid until the 30th April (T&C’s apply).

Senior Pets are the focus during March and April at Sydney Animal Hospitals – click here to find out more

For more information contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals

SENIOR PREVENTATIVE PET HEALTH CARE PLANS

A Senior Preventative Pet Health Care Plan is an affordable way to provide a tailored preventative healthcare regime that is devised by our veterinarians for your pet. With simple on-going monthly payments it makes it easy for family budgeting and simplifies you pet’s preventative health care.

To help you care for your pet and keep the budget in check we have included a range of member rewards. Plus you’ll never have to remember to get your pet’s parasite preventative treatments again because we’ll deliver them as needed for FREE to you home.

KIDNEY DISEASE IN PETS

Kidney disease can affect both dogs and cats, causing a variety of symptoms that can affect their health and quality of life. The role of the kidneys is to filter the blood removing waste products and to maintain the balance of electrolytes in the blood to keep the body hydrated and healthy. The waste products they remove from the blood then leave the body as urine