 "Great Western Animal Hospital")
April is all about our golden oldies! We're offering exclusive Senior Pet Care Specials throughout the month to help keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and comfortable.
April Special Offer
Senior Pet Care Specials
Why Senior Health Checks Matter
Dogs and cats over 7 years old are considered seniors and, just like humans, they’re more prone to age-related conditions. Regular health checks allow us to detect and manage problems early—before they become painful or life-threatening.
Common signs your senior pet may need a check-up:
Increased thirst or urination
Changes in weight
Mobility issues or joint stiffness
Changes in behaviour or appetite
What Do We Check During a Senior Health Exam?
Our veterinarians perform a comprehensive physical examination, including:
Eyes, ears, skin, joints, mouth, and teeth
Heart and lung auscultation
Weight and body condition assessment
Behaviour and lifestyle discussion
We may also recommend:
Annual senior bloodwork - to assess kidney, liver, thyroid, and metabolic health
Urine testing - to detect kidney disease, diabetes, or infections
Blood pressure and eye pressure - to detect early signs of heart disease, glaucoma, or high blood pressure
Why Check Eye & Blood Pressure?
Eye pressure testing helps detect glaucoma or uveitis, which can cause irreversible blindness if untreated.
Blood pressure testing identifies hypertension, which is common in senior cats and dogs and can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain.
Both are non-invasive pain-free procedures that give our vets valuable information about your pet's health.
Managing Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis is common in older dogs and cats and can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. With the right treatment—such as arthritis injections, laser therapy, joint supplements, and weight management—your pet can enjoy a more comfortable, active life.
Why We Recommend Senior Blood & Urine Testing
Routine blood and urine tests:
Help detect conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, liver issues, and infections
Establish baseline values for your pet’s normal health
Allow for early intervention and better treatment outcomes
When detected early, many chronic diseases can be managed effectively, helping your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Laser Therapy and It's Use in Senior Pet Care
Laser therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment that helps reduce pain and inflammation while speeding up healing in pets with arthritis or other chronic conditions.
How Does It Work?
Laser therapy uses low-level light energy to penetrate tissues and stimulate cell function—a process known as photobiomodulation. This encourages:
Reduced inflammation
Increased blood flow
Accelerated tissue repair
Natural pain relief
It’s completely painless and most pets find it soothing and relaxing—some even fall asleep during treatment!
Conditions We Treat with Laser Therapy
Arthritis & joint pain
Hip dysplasia
Back pain or spinal issues
Post-operative healing
Soft tissue injuries
Chronic wounds or skin conditions
Why We Recommend It for Senior Pets
Older pets with arthritis often can’t tolerate certain medications due to kidney, liver, or stomach sensitivities. Laser therapy offers a gentle and effective alternative that:
Improves mobility
Relieves chronic pain
Enhances quality of life
Has no side effects
It can be used on its own or alongside other treatments like arthritis injections, supplements, or medications for even better results.
