Unlike humans, pets are unable to tell us where it hurts, what is happening to them, or how they are feeling. While veterinarians are very good at using physical and behavioural indicators to help identify illness in pets, often further tests are required to determine a diagnosis and guide specific treatment recommendations.
This is particularly important in our aging pets as many conditions can develop as the years progress and they can have a significant impact on our pet’s health. However they don’t always show obvious symptoms. For example, symptoms of kidney disease often only show up when around 70% of the kidney is damaged!
Below are topics relevant to pets heading towards their golden years and we are delighted to offer you a special discount on a senior pet wellness check. But you will need to be quick, we have a limited number of offers available, so book in soon to discover your senior pet’s health, from the inside out.
Blood tests are extremely helpful tests that can give your veterinarian information about the function of your pet’s internal organs, their immune system, whether your pet has a certain disease and how that disease is affecting their body.
As pets get older and start to experience age-related problems, a yearly blood test is recommended. This enables conditions or diseases to be detected in the early stages, allowing earlier intervention or preventative measures to be taken to slow the progress of disease, or stop it developing altogether.
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through the body’s blood vessels. When it stays too high over time, it is called hypertension. High blood pressure is often linked to another health issue, most commonly chronic kidney disease, heart disease or hyperthyroidism, especially in older pets.
High blood pressure can quietly damage several organs before there are any obvious signs, which is why regular vet visits and blood pressure checks are important, especially for older pets - because early detection and treatment can help prevent severe organ damage.
Changes to the kidney can happen quickly or progressively over time. Damage to the kidneys can be irreversible, and it changes the way the kidneys function, leading to a range of symptoms showing up in our pets. These signs tend not to be obvious until around 70% of the kidney is damaged! This is one of the reasons why regular check ups with your veterinarian are so important, especially as your pet ages. While it is the most common disease we see in older cats, it can also affect dogs and pets of any age.
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats, where the thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone. This can make the body work harder than usual and while the early signs can be subtle and easy to miss, it can seriously affect several organs over time if left untreated.
The process of aging is as complicated for our pets as it is for people. With advancements in veterinary medical care, our pets are living longer, healthier lives. This also means that we are seeing more pets having age-related conditions developing. Whether it is urinary or kidney diseases, brain, mobility or weight changes, nutrition is one of the first steps we can take to help manage health conditions in our senior pets.
Terms & Conditions:
T&Cs apply. Offer is $50 off a vet consult and comprehensive panel blood test, for dogs and cats over 7 years old. Available from 29th June – 7th August 2026, or while allocations last. Cannot be used with any other offer, not redeemable for cash. Appointments are necessary. Further diagnostic testing and treatment will be an additional charge.