[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
As our cats and dogs get older, they begin to experience the same health changes and challenges as ageing humans.<\/p>\n
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Old age starts at around 8 years old in dogs, and they\u2019re then categorised as geriatric from around 10 years old. In human years this is between 56 and 78. Each breed varies in the speed at which they age, with giant dogs becoming geriatric soonest.<\/p>\n
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Cats usually have a longer lifespan and become seniors at around 10 and geriatric at 14 years old. Cats can live half of their lives as seniors, so it\u2019s essential \u2013 as with dogs \u2013 that we make this as comfortable and happy for them as possible.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.parksidevets.com\/pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/senior-dog-old-pet.jpg” title_text=”senior dog-old pet” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As our pets age, their bodies gradually deteriorate in the same way ours do. Unlike us, however, they can\u2019t let us know when things aren\u2019t right. In fact, they are highly skilled at hiding pain and illness in case it shows weakness, so we need to make sure we care for them in a way they can\u2019t.<\/p>\n The best way to keep an eye on things is through annual check-ups that include a comprehensive blood test. This is designed to look for any key indicators of potential problems. Many of these aren\u2019t conditions that will clear up over time \u2013 they\u2019ll get worse, be more challenging and more costly to treat, cause pain, and potentially limit the length of their lives.<\/p>\n If we can identify those illnesses before it gets to the point where they can\u2019t hide the pain anymore, we can often put a plan in place to manage that condition before it worsens.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#DEAE37″ custom_padding=”40px|30px|20px|30px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.parksidevets.com\/pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/blood-test.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”300px||300px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”200px||200px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”100px||100px||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If we find an issue that can be easily treated, we often find it takes years off them, and they are bouncier, livelier, and happier as a result!<\/p>\n We all want to be the best pet guardians possible and do what\u2019s right, but it can be hard to know what to do. We want to make this as easy as possible for you by offering these annual wellness checks so we can keep a careful eye on your pet as they age.<\/p>\n Our goal is always to keep pets healthy rather than wait to treat them when they get sick, and by doing that, we can ensure your furriest family members have the best chance of living the longest, happiest and healthiest lives with you as possible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_margin=”30px||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|true|false” border_color_all=”#008349″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”Spread the cost of your pet’s routine healthcare” button_url=”\/pets\/premier-pet-club\/” button_text=”Find Out More” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a member of the\u00a0Premier Pet Club,<\/strong> you receive two 12 point Health Checks every year<\/strong>, to make sure your pet stays healthy and happy.<\/p>\n You also get UNLIMITED consultations that mean you can see a vet or nurse as often as you need throughout the year and pay nothing for the appointment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Taking care of the older pet \u2013 annual blood tests and the importance of knowing what\u2019s \u2018normal\u2019 for them As our cats and dogs get older, they begin to experience […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5387,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37,38,62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5383","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cats","category-dogs","category-pet-health"],"yoast_head":"\nSo how can I take the best care of my senior cat or dog?\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
Things we look for in our senior blood tests include:<\/span><\/h5>\n
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