Pets are more than just social media darlings for pet owners – they play an essential role in our lives. Studies have shown that pets can help reduce stress and increase the level of oxytocin, which can lower the risk of heart disease and improve mental health in the household. However, while pets silently enhance our lives, we must also be vigilant about their health. Just as grooming keeps knotting and skin infections at bay, annual pathology tests help identify life-threatening diseases in the early stages and keep our furry friends healthy on the inside.
At PawPurrfect, we offer a range of pathology tests for pets. Here are a few tests based on the pet’s age.
Dogs and cats under 6 months to 3 years old
During this period, vaccination is essential as it acts as the first line of defence against diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvo, and other common illnesses that can affect pets. Additionally, providing good nutritious food is crucial to maintaining their health. Basic health tests can also be conducted to check various health markers, including red and white blood cell counts, organ function, and infections.
As pets explore their surroundings, both indoors and outdoors, they may encounter faecal matter or blood. This can result in the entry of pathogens or parasites into their bloodstream, causing illnesses. Therefore, it is important to schedule regular health check-ups for your pet during this period to monitor their health and catch any potential health issues early on. By doing so, you can ensure that your furry friend remains healthy and happy.
Basic Tests: This package is commonly used for young dogs and cats to detect any parasitic or infectious diseases that may have been passed down from their mother or other dogs and cats at the breeders or rescue centre.
Dogs and cats between 3 years to 7 years old
Although 3 years old may still be considered young in human age, for pets, this marks the start of their middle age. While they may still exhibit their cheerful behaviour, this is also the time when they may begin to show early signs of diseases such as diabetes, renal issues, or pancreatitis, among others. Detecting these issues early is crucial in getting the right treatment for the animal.
Pet parents should be vigilant during this time and keep an eye out for any changes in their pet’s behaviour or health. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any underlying health problems, which can then be addressed promptly. It may also be a good idea to consider purchasing pet insurance to help manage potential medical expenses. By being proactive and taking care of their pets’ health needs, pet parents can help ensure that their furry friends enjoy a healthy and happy life well into their senior years.
Tests to be considered in this age bracket are advised below.
Comprehensive Test Package: This package evaluates an adult pet’s overall health and detects any underlying issues that may require further testing or treatment.
Primary Profile Test Package: This package is also used to evaluate an adult pet’s overall health and detect any underlying issues that may require further testing or treatment.
Dogs and cats 7 years and older
Once your pet crosses the age of 7, it is considered a senior and may begin to exhibit signs of aging. They may become less active and playful and prefer to spend more time resting. This makes it more important to closely monitor their health during this period.
It is also advisable to consider purchasing pet insurance for your furry friend before they turn 7 years old. Depending on the breed and size of your pet, some insurance companies may not allow entry after this age bracket. Annual pathology check-ups are essential during this period as they give pet parents a better understanding of their pet’s health and help determine the required health cover for their furry family member.
Regular check-ups can also help detect age-related health issues such as arthritis, dental problems, or vision impairment, which can then be addressed promptly. By taking preventive measures and staying proactive, pet parents can help ensure that their senior pets remain healthy and comfortable throughout their golden years.
Here are some of the recommended tests for pets in their senior years.
Renal Basic: This test is used to evaluate a senior pet’s kidney function, which may decline with age and result in health issues.
Comprehensive & Thyro Test Package: This package provides a comprehensive evaluation of a senior pet’s health and is ideal for pets that require a more in-depth evaluation due to nonspecific symptoms or underlying health issues that may be more common in senior pets. Thyroid function testing is especially important for senior pets, as thyroid disease is a common condition in older pets that can affect their overall health and quality of life.
In addition to the previously mentioned tests, we also provide test packages that cover renal and cardio tests, thyroid profile tests, and basic plus thyroid tests. The Paw-Fit Pathology Package from PawPurrfect is crucial for maintaining the internal health of our beloved pets. With the convenience of at-home sample collection, pets can be in a comfortable environment while the entire process is supervised by their pet parent. Give your pet the gift of a healthy and happy life with you by investing in their annual pathology tests.
