If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at your pet’s annual vet visit, you’re not the only one. It can be very stressful when your vet gives you a long list of examinations and informs you to decide. You may be worried that you won’t provide the necessary tests and the focus they need. Additionally, the total expense of everything on the list might be quite high. The majority of dog owners agree to pay top dollar to ensure their pet’s health, but are they required to?
Tests for Older Dogs
One essential distinction between wellness tests for adult and elderly dogs is that your veterinarian may recommend having them done every six months instead of once a year. Some further tests your veterinarian might carry out are as follows:
Physical Examination
One of the essential steps pet owners can take to keep their pets healthy is to arrange routine vet checkups. These physical examinations are more crucial than ever as canines and cats reach their golden years. Senior care, which begins with a routine veterinary exam, is needed to detect and postpone the start or development of the disease and to discover problems like organ failure and osteoarthritis early.
Complete Blood Count and Chemistry Profile
Your vet may recommend annual or biannual complete bloodwork. A panel of tests should also identify major organ problems and include a complete blood cell count. Many older pets might be on medications, so it is essential to check their development to ensure they are not experiencing any negative side effects. Visit a veterinary lab to have your pet’s complete blood count.
Blood Pressure Test
Blood pressure is often evaluated in pets, like in people. They will put an inflatable cuff on the dog’s paw or tail. The pressure will be assessed using standard blood pressure measuring equipment. Keeping the pet long enough to have an accurate reading is essential. Hypertension can harm your dog’s heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system. Maybe the source of other issues or a symptom of another health condition.
Urinalysis
While a physical test, blood work, and urinalysis are now more crucial, your vet may still suggest that your pet have these tests done yearly, depending on his risk of exposure. A urine lab analysis is a tool for detecting the visibility of one or more particular substances that do not normally appear in urine, like protein, sugar, white blood cells, or blood.
A measurement of the dilution or concentration of urine is also helpful in disease diagnosis. Urinalysis and an internal medicine vet can help diagnose urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and other problems.
Thyroid Testing
The thyroid gland works as a thermostat, controlling the whole body’s metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism is the most typical thyroid condition in dogs. It occurs when the thyroid gland fails to make enough thyroid hormone. Hormone levels in senior dogs should be checked regularly, especially if there is unusual weight gain, lack of energy, recurring skin or ear infections, or hair loss on the body and tail.
For more information about proper senior pet care, visit websites like www.acevets.com.
Bottom Line
Living with an elderly dog has challenges; however, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Enjoy your older dog’s golden years, and go out of your way to keep him as healthy and comfy as possible. Stick with him and be ready to let go when the moment comes. Health testing is a simple and effective way to check your elderly dog’s health. Early detection and treatment of health issues help guarantee your dog remains healthy and active.
