If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at your pet’s annual vet visit, you’re not alone. It can be very stressful when your vet gives you a long list of tests and informs you to choose. Maybe you’re worried that you won’t give the most important examinations the attention they need. Furthermore, the overall cost of everything on the list may be very high. Most pet owners agree to pay top dollar to guarantee their pet’s health; however, are they required to?
Tests for Older Pets
One primary distinction between wellness examinations for adult and older pets is that your vet may recommend having them done every six months instead of yearly. Some further examinations your veterinarian could perform are as follows:
Physical Checkup
One of the most crucial steps dog owners can take to keep their pets healthy is to arrange regular vet exams. These physical examinations are more crucial than ever as dogs and felines reach their senior years. Senior care, which begins with a regular veterinary examination, is required to detect and postpone the onset or development of the illness and to discover issues like organ malfunction and osteoarthritis early.
Learn more information about pet physical examinations from professionals like Animal Care Extraordinaire.
Complete Blood Count and Chemistry Profile
Your vet may advise yearly or biannually complete bloodwork. A panel of examinations should also discover major organ disorders and include a complete blood cell count. Numerous elderly pets may be on medications, so it is crucial to monitor their progression to ensure they are not experiencing any negative side effects.
Blood Pressure Test
Blood pressure is frequently measured in pets, similar to humans. An inflatable cuff will be put on the pet’s paw or tail, and the pressure will be assessed using standard blood pressure measuring equipment. Keeping the pet long enough to have a precise reading is crucial. Hypertension can harm your dog’s heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system. Maybe the root cause of other problems or a sign of another health condition. Does your pet need a blood pressure test? Check it out.
Urinalysis
While a physical checkup, blood work, and urinalysis are now more vital, an emergency veterinarian may still advise that your pet have these examinations every year, depending on his risk of exposure. A urine lab analysis is an equipment for finding one or more particular substances that do not usually appear in urine, including protein, sugar, white blood cells, or blood.
A measurement of the dilution or concentration of urine is also useful in disease diagnosis. Urinalysis can help vets diagnose urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, etc.
Thyroid Testing
The thyroid gland works as a thermostat, managing the whole body’s metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid illness in dogs. It occurs when the thyroid gland fails to make enough thyroid hormone. Hormone levels in older dogs must be inspected frequently, particularly if there is unusual weight gain, lack of energy, recurring skin or ear infections, or hair loss on the body and tail.
Final Thoughts
Coping with a senior pet has problems; however, the benefits far surpass the disadvantages. Enjoy your older dog’s golden years, and go out of your way to keep him as healthy and comfy as possible. Stay with him and prepare to let go when the time comes. The health examination is a simple and effective way to monitor your older dog’s health. Early diagnosis and treatment of medical issues help ensure your pet stays healthy and energetic.
