Why are Senior Wellness Checks So Important?

 Humans have senior check-ups with their doctors when they reach the age of 50. These consultations usually involve multiple tests.  Our dogs and cats need them just as much, if not more than humans as they tend to hide when they are feeling sick.

Cats and dogs age faster than people. 1 Year in your pet’s life is equal to multiple human years.

USE THE CHART BELOW TO WORK IT OUT 

Your Cat’s Age

Equivalent Age in Human Years

7 – 10 years

44 – 56

11 – 14 years

60 – 72

>15 years

76 +

 

Your Dog’s Age

Your Dog’s Weight

< 9kg

9 – 22kg

23 – 40kg

>40kg

Equivalent Age in Human Years

7 – 9 years

44 – 52

47 – 56

50 – 61

56 – 71

10 – 12 years

56 – 64

60 – 65

66 – 77

78 – 93

12 – 13 years

64 – 68

69 – 74

77 – 82

93 – 101

14 + years

72 +

78 +

88 +

108 +

As a human you are able to clearly communicate when something is wrong or when you don’t feel right. Our pets cannot verbalise how they feel and hide their symptoms for survival.

Our pets can also suffer from these common diseases:

  • Painful Arthritis 
  • Dental disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Dementia that causes confusion
  • AND many more other illnesses.

 So why wait until your pet is showing clear signs of disease? Rather bring your best friend for a 7-year check-up. Preventative testing visits are a way to help ensure that your pet lives a happy & healthy life. Some of the tests that we can perform to reveal any hidden diseases are:

  • Blood Chemistry Panel: Provides information on several organ systems, important proteins & electrolytes
  • Complete Blood Count: Provides information on red & white blood cell counts to detect anaemia, inflammation & platelets involved in blood clotting.
  • Urinalysis: Provides information on the urinary system.
  • Faecal: Screens for gastrointestinal parasites.
  • Infectious disease: Such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
  • Thyroid testing: determines if the thyroid gland is functioning normally.

 Wellness visits with your veterinarian are the perfect time for you to ask medical questions, track behavioural and weight changes, and receive tips for at home care.

 CATCH PROBLEMS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE TO HELP

 Book an appointment at Oribi vet now.