When is a pet a senior?
Dogs are seniors at around 7 years of age (large breeds as early as 5–6 years) and cats at around 10 years. As pets age, many diseases develop slowly and unnoticed — kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, and joint damage can progress significantly before the owner notices symptoms.
What does the senior check-up include?
During the senior check-up, the veterinarian examines the pet clinically from head to toe, listens to the heart and lungs, and palpates the abdomen and lymph nodes. Blood tests assess kidney, liver, and thyroid function. A urine sample can detect early kidney changes. Blood pressure measurement, cardiac ultrasound, or abdominal ultrasound are performed as needed.
Why are regular check-ups important?
With regular senior check-ups, diseases are detected at an early stage when treatment is more effective and quality of life is preserved longer. For example, early detection of kidney failure allows diet and medication to be started in time, which can extend lifespan by years.
How often should check-ups be done?
We recommend a senior check-up once a year for healthy ageing pets. If your pet has a chronic disease or medication, a more frequent follow-up interval is agreed individually. Book a senior check-up appointment — it is the best preventive care for your ageing pet.
Frequently asked questions about senior check-ups
<strong>How often is a senior check-up performed?</strong> For healthy ageing pets, a senior check-up is recommended once a year. For large dog breeds, check-ups can begin as early as 5–6 years of age, for smaller breeds at around 7 years, and for cats at around 10 years. If your pet has a chronic disease or is on medication, the follow-up interval may be more frequent — for example, every six months. <strong>What do blood tests reveal?</strong> Blood tests during a senior check-up detect changes in kidney, liver, and thyroid function often before visible symptoms appear. The blood sample measures creatinine and SDMA (kidneys), ALT and ALP (liver), T4 (thyroid), and a complete blood count. Early diagnosis enables timely treatment, which can significantly extend your pet's lifespan.