Yes. If your dog or cat is already elderly, it is advisable to have veterinary geriatric check-ups, even if they appear to be well. In older pets, some illnesses can progress silently before clear symptoms appear.
In a veterinary check-up in Benissa, the veterinary team can assess your pet’s general condition, check their weight, mobility, dental health and behaviour, and identify any possible age-related changes.
Geriatric check-ups do not mean that your pet is ill. Their aim is to to prevent, detect early and adapt their care to maintain a good quality of life in later life.
How often should I have a geriatric check-up?
As a general guide, many older dogs and cats benefit from a veterinary check-up every 6 to 12 months, depending on their age, size, breed, medical history and current condition.
If your pet has a chronic condition, is taking medication, has lost weight, is drinking more water, tires more easily or is showing changes in behaviour, it may be advisable to have more frequent check-ups via a veterinary practice.
This preventative approach is in line with the recommendations of the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, which proposes tailoring check-ups for older dogs and cats to each individual pet, taking into account their medical history, physical examination, diagnostic tests and quality of life.
What might a geriatric check-up involve?
A geriatric check-up may include a full physical examination, assessment of weight, a dental check-up, auscultation of the heart, an assessment of mobility and, where indicated, additional tests such as blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound scans or X-rays.
If symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, digestive changes or chronic conditions occur, an assessment of veterinary internal medicine.
In older pets with a cough, fatigue, heart murmurs, breathing difficulties or reduced exercise tolerance, a review of veterinary cardiology It can help to detect heart problems at an early stage.
Where there is stiffness, limping, difficulty getting up or reduced activity, it may also be useful to assess chronic pain by means of the PAIN UNIT or the service provided by orthopaedics and traumatology.
Should diet be reviewed as well?
Yes. A senior pet’s diet may need to be adjusted depending on its weight, muscle mass, activity level, kidney function, digestive health or pre-existing conditions.
An assessment of veterinary nutrition It allows you to tailor your dog or cat’s diet to their actual needs, avoiding unnecessary changes and prioritising their wellbeing.
What are the signs that I should book an appointment?
You should seek advice if you notice weight loss or gain, increased thirst or urination, bad breath, a cough, fatigue, lameness, stiffness, vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in appetite, disorientation, night-time vocalisation or changes in behaviour.
It is also a good idea to book an appointment if your pet simply ‘isn’t behaving as it used to’. In older dogs and cats, even small changes can provide important information.
In Benivet Benissa we offer the following services image diagnosis, internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition and orthopaedics, to tailor care to each elderly patient.
Is your dog or cat getting on in years?
Ask for a Geriatric check-up in Benivet Benissa to assess their health, anticipate potential problems and tailor their care to this stage of life.
