Senior Pet Health
At Vets on Parker, we love to see our senior pets.
Because cats and dogs age seven times faster than humans, regular health checks are important to monitor, manage and prevent age related diseases. We recommend senior animals come in for a check-up once every six months.
The Vets on Parker team is here to support your pet through every stage of life
As pets age, many health changes happen quietly. Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is designed to identify early changes before symptoms become obvious, helping us support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing.
Why does healthy ageing matter?
Pets are experts at hiding illness and discomfort. Changes such as slowing down, sleeping more, or shifts in appetite are often put down to “just getting older,” but can sometimes be early signs of conditions such as:
- Arthritis and mobility changes
- Kidney or liver disease
- Endocrine (hormonal) conditions
- Dental disease
- Cognitive decline
The earlier we identify these changes, the more options we have to support your pet’s quality of life.
What's included?
Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is a check-up tailored specifically for ageing pets. It goes beyond a standard consultation to give a deeper understanding of your pet’s health.
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Weight, body condition and muscle condition scoring
- Mobility and joint health evaluation
- Discussion of behaviour, appetite and lifestyle changes
- Personalised health recommendations
This package also includes:
- Comprehensive blood testing
- Urine analysis
- Blood pressure measurement
These tests help identify changes early, often before symptoms appear.
If we identify anything that may benefit from closer attention, we’ll take the time to discuss the findings with you and develop a personalised plan for your pet’s care. Any recommended follow-up tests or treatments are optional and will always be discussed and quoted before proceeding.
Is my pet eligible?
As a guide:
- Dogs: From 7 years of age (5 years for giant breeds over 40kg)
- Cats: From 8 years of age
The Healthy Ageing Assessment bundle is available once every 12 months for eligible pets.
Expert care across every stage of your pet's life
Our focus at Vets on Parker is on understanding your pet as an individual and providing thoughtful, evidence-based care. With compassionate guidance and tailored recommendations, we’re here to support both you and your pet as they age.
Ready to support your pet’s next stage?
If your pet is entering their golden years, we’re ready to support both of you with personalised care, practical advice, and a proactive approach to healthy ageing.
- Comprehensive Wellness Exam
- Diagnostic Blood Screening
- Urine Analysis
- Blood Pressure Measurement
Some of the most common age related diseases we see in senior pets include:
- Dental disease and sore teeth
- Skin tumours
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Abdominal problems and growths
- Skin disease
- Eye and ear problems
- High blood pressure
Blood testing
If your pet is aged over 7 years, we recommend annual blood testing to screen for serious illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, tumours and liver disease. These kinds of illnesses are often dubbed ‘silent killers’ because animals often don’t show symptoms until the disease is well advanced. Our onsite pathology services make blood tests a quick and painless procedure, so we can quickly diagnose and treat your pet.
Arthritis
Just like humans, pets get aching joints as they enter their senior years. Arthritis is a very common health condition amongst older animals and it can be extremely painful if left untreated. Happily, arthritis can be managed with medication and a few lifestyle changes. Some signs your senior pet might be arthritic include slowed walking, stiffness when getting up, a decrease in grooming habits, and lower activity levels.
Blood pressure
Lots of senior cats have high blood pressure and the condition is associated with thyroid problems, kidney disease and even blindness. At Vets on Parker, we will perform a non-invasive blood test on your senior cat when they come in for a check-up to ensure levels are normal and to monitor any changes between visits. Regular blood pressure testing is a painless way to screen form diseases and could potentially save your senior cat’s life.
Vets on Parker is dedicated to helping senior pets live their best possible life. If your pet is aged over 7 years, we will chat with you about performing urine and blood tests at their next check-up to ensure they remain as healthy as possible.
Need an appointment?
Where your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets on Parker!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 8am – 4pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00pm
