The Importance of Regular Vet Visits for Senior Pets

As pets age, their healthcare needs evolve, making regular veterinary visits essential for maintaining a good quality of life. Senior pets are more susceptible to various health issues, such as arthritis, kidney disease and dementia, and routine check-ups can help catch these issues early.

Here’s what to expect from wellness exams for older pets and the common tests your vet might recommend to keep your pet healthy in their golden years.

Why Regular Vet Visits Matter for Senior Pets

A pet is generally considered "senior" around the age of 7 for dogs and 8 for cats, though this can vary by breed. Just like humans, senior pets are at a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions that can impact their mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Regular vet visits are vital for identifying these issues early, allowing for timely treatment or management, which can greatly improve your pet’s wellbeing.

Routine senior wellness exams can also help extend your pet’s life, as they allow vets to monitor and manage age-related health changes before they become more serious and harder to treat.

What to Expect from a Senior Pet Wellness Exam

Senior pet wellness exams are typically more comprehensive than standard check-ups for younger animals, as they focus on age-related health concerns. These exams will include a combination of physical checks, diagnostic tests, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments that can benefit your pet’s health.

1. Comprehensive Physical Examination

A senior pet wellness exam usually begins with a thorough physical examination. Your vet will assess your pet’s weight, skin, coat condition, teeth, gums, and general body condition. They’ll also check for any lumps or bumps, listen to the heart and lungs, feel the abdomen and examine the eyes and ears. Your pet’s mobility and joints will be assessed.

This physical examination helps detect obvious signs of health issues, such as dental disease, weight fluctuations, joint problems, and heart irregularities, which are more common in older pets.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests are an essential part of senior pet care, as they help detect internal changes that might not be immediately visible. Common blood tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test checks for anaemia, infection, and overall immune health.

• Biochemistry Profile: This profile assesses organ function, including the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, and helps detect any signs of organ disease, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances.

Blood tests are a valuable tool for identifying conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, and anaemia, which are more common in senior pets. By regularly monitoring blood work, your vet can catch changes early and provide appropriate treatment.

3. Urinalysis

Urinalysis is another key diagnostic test for senior pets, as it provides insights into kidney and urinary health. This test can reveal signs of kidney disease, diabetes, bladder infections, or other urinary issues. Urine is easy to collect and can give crucial information in older pets, where kidney disease is a common age-related condition, especially in cats.

4. Blood Pressure Check

Just like humans, pets can develop high blood pressure as they age. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often linked to other conditions, such as kidney disease or heart disease, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. A routine blood pressure check is a quick, non-invasive test that can help protect your pet’s health.

5. Thyroid Function Test

Senior cats are particularly prone to hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excess hormones, causing symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, and restlessness. Older dogs, on the other hand, can suffer from hypothyroidism, where the thyroid produces too few hormones, leading to lethargy, weight gain, and skin issues.

A thyroid function test helps detect these issues early, allowing your vet to recommend medication or dietary changes to manage your pet’s thyroid health.

6. Eye and Vision Checks

Eye issues become more common in older pets, with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related vision loss affecting many senior animals. During a wellness exam, your vet will check your pet’s eyes for signs of cloudiness, discharge, or other abnormalities that may indicate vision problems.

If there are any concerns, your vet may recommend further testing or specialist referral to detect changes in your pet’s ocular health as early as possible.

7. Dental Health Examination

Dental disease is a prevalent issue in senior pets, leading to discomfort, difficulty eating, and even systemic health issues if left untreated. During a senior wellness exam, your vet will examine your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of dental disease, such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, or loose teeth.

Routine dental care, including professional cleanings if needed, can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life and reduce the risk of other health complications.

8. Weight and Body Condition Assessment

Weight management is essential for senior pets, as being overweight or underweight can exacerbate health problems. During the exam, your vet will assess your pet’s weight and body condition, providing guidance on diet and exercise based on your pet’s individual needs. Weight gain can increase the risk of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, while weight loss may be a sign of underlying issues.

9. Joint and Mobility Assessment

Arthritis and joint issues are common in older pets, especially larger dog breeds. Your vet will assess your pet’s joint health by observing their gait, checking for signs of stiffness, and testing their range of motion. If arthritis or joint pain is detected, they may recommend treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, or physical therapy.

10. Lifestyle and Behavioural Discussion

Finally, your vet may discuss any recent changes in your pet’s behaviour, activity level, or lifestyle. Senior pets often benefit from adjustments to their daily routine, diet, or environment, and your vet can provide personalised recommendations to ensure your pet remains comfortable and happy.

Changes in behaviour, such as increased anxiety, restlessness, or disorientation, could indicate cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to dementia in humans. Your vet may provide strategies to support your pet’s mental health if these signs are present.

Common Tests for Senior Pets

In addition to the checks outlined above, some vets may recommend additional tests based on your pet’s specific health needs. These could include:

• X-rays or ultrasound to check for internal issues such as joint issues, heart disease or tumours.

• Electrocardiograms (ECGs) to monitor heart health.

• MRI or CT scans for further investigation of many diseases and joint problems.

The Benefits of Preventative Care for Senior Pets

Regular senior wellness exams enable early detection of common health issues, often before symptoms become severe. Preventative care can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life by allowing for timely interventions, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or nutritional adjustments.

Your vet can also advise you on additional steps to support your pet’s health as they age, from joint supplements to cognitive exercises and special diets.

Final Thoughts

As pets age, regular veterinary visits become essential for monitoring and managing age-related health issues. Understanding what to expect from senior wellness exams can help you feel prepared and empowered to support your pet in their later years. 

With proactive care and regular check-ups, you can ensure your pet’s golden years are as comfortable and fulfilling as possible, maintaining their best quality of life well into old age.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.