Remember a once per year veterinary check-up is equivalent to you visiting your doctor only once every 7 years!
An exam performed by a qualified veterinarian who is trained to detect and treat age-related diseases is essential.
They have the tools and skills to be able to help your pet with conditions and issues that you may not even be aware of.
Your veterinary health team can answer questions about caring for your adult & senior pet, and advise you on appropriate diet and exercise routines.
Wellness Visits
Your adult & senior pet could be hiding something. Specifically, yours could be hiding an illness right now and you’d never even know it.
This is a vital reason why veterinary visits for pets should never be overlooked.
Wellness Visits are the best way to prevent any major health issues, and to help aid in your pets’ longevity.
Here are other reasons why frequent veterinary visits are so important:
- Pet owners may fail to notice subtle changes in their pets and the importance of recognizing them.
- Health changes can occur quickly in senior pets.
- Several medical conditions start to develop in pets once they reach middle age.
- Pets, especially in their senior years, are prone to underlying conditions while appearing fine physically.
- Early detection of conditions typically results in easier management, improved quality of life and less veterinary costs.
- Frequency of behaviour problems in pets increases with age.
Health Checklist
Below is a list of signs to look for in adult & senior pets.
You can complete this checklist prior to your wellness visit to assist your veterinarian with their examination:
- Weight changes (either gaining or losing too much weight)
- Decreased sense of smell and hearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of ability to exercise
- Less agility and stiffness when rising
- Digestion difficulties – vomiting, poor appetite or trouble eating
- Brittle nails
- Grooming difficulties in hard-to-reach areas
- Loose skin/Loss of muscle mass
- Behaviour changes, such as increased accidents outside the litter box, irritability, decreased human interaction, confusion and less playfulness
- Fluctuating sleep patterns
- Reduced digestive function, diarrhoea or constipation
- Breathing problems or coughing
- Changes in thirst, increased & decreased
- Coat changes such as loss of hair, skin colour changes, dandruff
- Lumps or bumps that may have developed or grown
Desexing
DOG SPAY (DESEXING)
Dog spaying is a surgical procedure called ovariohysterectomy, where the female dog’s ovaries and uterus are removed through an incision in her midline whilst under general anaesthetic. This procedure will prevent her from getting ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as a serious infection of the uterus called pyometra.
CAT SPAY (DESEXING)
Cat spaying is a surgical procedure called ovariohysterectomy, where the female cat’s ovaries and uterus are removed through an incision in her midline whilst under general anaesthetic. This procedure will prevent her from getting ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as a serious infection of the uterus called pyometra. Spaying your female cat:
- Helps prevent unwanted litters and limits feral cat population and its impact on the environment;
- Limits the spread of genetic abnormalities that professional breeders try to control;
- Prevents your cat developing uterine cancer and infection (pyometra);
- Significantly reduces the risk of hormone-induced diseases;
- Prevents or reduces hormone-mediated behavioural issues.
New Puppy or Kitten
It’s an exciting time introducing a new pet to the family. There’s also much to do. Don’t worry, the team at Alexandria Vet can guide you through the first few months from vaccinations to feeding and training tips. Our staff are always available for help and advice, so please don’t hesitate to call us.
Puppy Pre-School
Puppy pre-school is now considered one of the most important periods to socialise and train your pup to set them up for good behaviour for the rest of their lives. Alexandria Vet’s puppy pre-school classes are run on-site by Leanne Dalton of Polite Pooches. She’s a highly qualified dog trainer, and is our Vet’s first choice to train difficult adult dogs. Call us on (02) 9698 4120 to book your pup into our puppy pre-school today.
