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As our much-loved pets enter their golden years, their healthcare needs begin to change. At Great Western Animal Hospital, we’re passionate about helping senior pets enjoy a comfortable, healthy, and happy life for as long as possible. Routine senior health checks are essential—they allow us to catch any age-related conditions early, before they affect your pet’s wellbeing.
Senior Health Checks for Cats and Dogs
What to Expect During a Senior Health Check
Our senior consultations are far more than just a standard check-up. Each visit is tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle, with a focus on early detection and proactive care to support ongoing quality of life.
Each senior health check includes:
- Comprehensive physical examination (eyes, ears, teeth, joints, skin, heart, lungs)
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Discussion around appetite, mobility, behaviour, and lifestyle changes
- Blood pressure and eye pressure testing (non-invasive)
- Annual blood and urine testing to assess kidney, liver, thyroid, and metabolic function
These tests help us detect common conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and organ changes—often before any symptoms are visible.
Why Early Detection Matters
Many age-related conditions can be managed effectively when caught early. Regular senior checks help improve your pet’s comfort, health, and overall quality of life—giving you more joyful years together.
Common Health Concerns in Senior Pets
Dogs
Dogs are considered seniors from around 7 years of age. Some of the more common age-related conditions include:
- Arthritis: May present as stiffness, reluctance to walk or play, or difficulty rising. Management includes weight control, joint supplements, and arthritis injections.
- Heart Disease: Look for signs like coughing, fatigue, or laboured breathing. Diagnostics such as ECG, chest x-rays, and blood pressure checks aid early diagnosis.
- Diabetes: Watch for increased thirst, hunger, and urination, often accompanied by weight loss. Controlled with insulin, diet, and regular monitoring.
- Kidney & Liver Disease: Symptoms can be subtle, like increased drinking or changes in appetite. Early detection supports better outcomes.
- Incontinence: Especially common in older female dogs and often manageable with medication.
Cats
Cats often age gracefully, but changes can be difficult to spot as they’re masters of hiding discomfort. From around 7 years of age, it’s vital to stay alert for the following conditions:
- Kidney Disease: Look for increased thirst, more frequent urination, weight loss, or lethargy. Early blood and urine testing is crucial.
- Hyperthyroidism: May cause increased appetite with weight loss, restlessness, or aggression. Treatment includes medication or radioactive iodine therapy.
- Diabetes: Similar symptoms to dogs, managed with insulin and dietary control.
- Arthritis: Common but underdiagnosed in cats. May show as reduced grooming, reluctance to jump, or increased hiding.
- Heart Disease: Be alert for lethargy, breathing difficulties, or sudden hind limb weakness.
Because cats are so good at masking discomfort, regular senior checks are particularly important.
Book Your Senior Pet's Health Check Today
We’d love to help you give your senior pet the best care possible. Call us on 02 9631 9322 or book online to schedule a senior health check today.
