As our pets age, we sometimes start to notice changes in their habits, attitude and mobility. Many of us tend to think these changes are just due to age. However, age is only a number; not a disease.
Typically around the ages of 7- 9, we consider pets to be in their early years of being a senior. As our pets age, certain illnesses can arise, and many symptoms we start to see are not just due to their age, but undetected illnesses.
Preventative measures can help to detect early onset of many life-threatening diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid Disease
- Kidney and Liver Disease
- Heart Disease
- and more
Why take my pet to the vet every year?
- Annual and bi-annual examinations are key to detecting these diseases
- Over 1 year, senior pets age anywhere from 4-10 years in “human” years depending on their breed/size
- Health can drastically change during that period
- Early intervention helps to slow the disease process and prolong their lives
Why do blood and urine testing?
- Establishes a baseline
- Detects changes internally that cannot be detected otherwise until it’s too late
- Monitor progress of treatment of diseases
Changes to mention to your vet:
- Appetite/Drinking
- Activity level
- Urination and Bowel Movements
- Mobility
- Skin/Coat
- Eyes and Ears
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
Written By: Tanya – Clinic Manager, RVT
