Service
Senior health checks
Check-ups and lab tests to catch age-related changes early in senior dogs and cats.
What we treat
From a certain age onwards, dogs and cats benefit from more frequent check-ups and tests aimed at catching the changes that come with ageing early on.
A senior health check combines a physical examination with lab tests and other tests that help assess their quality of life and adjust their care to this new stage.
As a rule of thumb, a dog becomes senior at around seven or eight years old, earlier in large breeds, and a cat from ten or eleven. It is not an exact figure: it is the moment to switch from seeing the vet when something happens to actively looking for what cannot yet be seen.
The aim is to get ahead of the most common age-related problems: kidney disease, hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism in cats, osteoarthritis or heart murmurs. Caught early, many can be treated or slowed; caught late, the options narrow.
When to get in touch
It is worth arranging a senior health check if:
Your pet has entered their senior years, based on their size and species.
You notice they are moving with more difficulty or sleeping more than usual.
Their appetite, thirst or weight has changed.
You want to stay ahead of the changes that come with age.
Drinking and urinating more than usual.
No longer jumping onto the sofa, or struggling with stairs.
Seeming disoriented, especially at night.
How we work
We listen
Tell us what you have noticed and what worries you.
We assess
We examine your pet and recommend any tests that are needed.
We explain
We go through the results and the different options with you.
We follow up
We track their progress and answer any questions you have.
Frequently asked questions
From what age should we start?
As a guide, around seven or eight in dogs, earlier in large breeds, and around ten in cats. If your pet already takes medication or has a diagnosed condition, follow-up is adapted to their specific case.
How often is the check-up repeated?
In healthy senior animals, the usual reference is at least one check-up a year, and in many cases every six months: a year in an older animal’s life is worth several of ours, and a lot can change in that time.
How is it different from a normal check-up?
Besides the full examination, it adds tests aimed at what age makes more likely, such as blood and urine panels. The examination finds what shows; the lab work finds what does not yet cause symptoms.
Tell us what your pet needs
Send us a request and we will call you to arrange the visit.