Fit for life - the key to having healthy pets

Our senior pets need special care

For many pet lovers, watching our companions grow older is a comforting, rewarding experience. Hard to believe the same bundle of energy tearing around the yard so many years ago is now the calm and kind old friend curled at our feet.

As your pet ages, you may notice the outward signs: white around the muzzle, less exuberance, hesitation trying to stand up after a nap or difficulty climbing into your car. Then there are internal signs we can't see, like a slowing metabolism, and changing nutritional requirements.

 Look out for the early warning signs

Observe your pet for the early warning signs of aging and age related diseases:

• Change in appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of house training
• Difficulty rising, walking or climbing stairs
• Confusion or disorientation
• Persistent cough
• Appearance of lumps or bumps
• Bad breath, plaque or bleeding gums
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Change in sleep patterns
• Ear odours, redness, scratching or head shaking
• Excessive drinking and/ or urination

It is common to assume these signs are a normal part of the aging process; however, these symptoms often indicate underlying age-related disease.

How to help your pet achieve 100 years of health!

Did you know your pet is aging around seven times faster than you? Taking your dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as a person seeing a doctor or dentist once every seven years. That is why all pets need a twice a year health and wellness check-up.

Twice a year wellness check-ups allow your veterinarian to detect, treat and help prevent problems before they become life threatening. They also provide you with the opportunity to ask your veterinary healthcare team questions about nutrition, behaviour, dental health and other issues.

Australian pets are living longer than ever and are increasingly suffering from many of the same chronic diseases that affect humans.

Arthritis - Cancer - Diabetes - Dental Disease - Liver and Intestinal Disorders - Kidney Failure - Vision Problems

 What is Pet Wellness all about?

Pets cannot live forever but with good healthcare management they can live to their full potential. This may be over the equivalent of 100 human years! The key to a longer life is being able to detect problems early. We do this by regular wellness check-ups and thorough examinations. Early detection of any disease process gives us many more treatment options. Starting treatment of any disease process early will ensure a longer life and a better quality of life.

What does a wellness check-up include?

Wellness Overview: A chance for you to tell your veterinarian about any changes of behavior or physical appearance you have noticed.

Hands on Physical Examination: Your veterinarian will palpate or feel you pet’s musculoskeletal system, abdomen, and head and neck areas for abnormalities. A stethoscope will be used to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. Your pet’s eyes, ears and mouth will also be checked for age-related problems such as cataracts, dental problems and ear canal disorders.

Diagnostic Tests: We can now perform very sensitive tests on blood and urine to check the inner workings of your pet. These tests are the key to early disease protection.