Senior Pet Health Month

Many veterinarians now consider pets around 8 years old to be seniors. Routine check-ups and blood tests become especially important as pets age. In fact, vets recommend that senior pets have bloodwork done at least once a year (and often every six months for older cats and dogs). Blood tests provide essential information about organ function and internal health that a regular physical exam alone might not catch. By testing regularly, we can spot small changes early – before your pet shows symptoms – and start treatment sooner.

Routine check-ups and blood tests become especially important as pets age. In fact, vets recommend that senior pets have bloodwork done at least once a year (and often every six months for older cats and dogs). Blood tests provide essential information about organ function and internal health that a regular physical exam alone might not catch. By testing regularly, we can spot small changes early – before your pet shows symptoms – and start treatment sooner.

Key Benefits of Senior Pet Exams

  • Early detection: Routine lab tests can reveal hidden issues (like early kidney or liver changes, thyroid imbalances, anemia, or diabetes) before they become serious.
  • Baseline health: Establishing a health baseline with annual bloodwork helps us notice subtle shifts in your pet’s values over time.
  • Better quality of life: Proactive senior care (regular exams and lab screening) promotes your pet’s longevity and comfort in their golden years. Catching problems early means more time for tail wags and purrs!

Give your senior pet the gift of health this April. Schedule your Senior Pet Health Exam today – book online at LethbridgePet.ca or call us at (587) 799-7777.

We look forward to helping your senior companion stay happy and healthy for years to come!

Warmly,

The Lethbridge Pet Hospital Team

Meet Charlie, our brave Pet of the Month! When Charlie first came to see us, she wasn’t feeling her best. She was in pain, and after an exam, we discovered she had bladder stones that needed to be removed.

Charlie underwent a surgery called a cystotomy, where we carefully removed more than 10 stones from her bladder. That’s a lot for one little pup and it’s no wonder she was uncomfortable! We’re happy to say the procedure went smoothly, and Charlie handled anesthesia like a champ.

Since her surgery, Charlie has been recovering well and is already on her way back to feeling like herself again.

We’re so proud of how strong and resilient she was through it all.

We also want to give a big shoutout to Charlie’s owner for bringing her in when they did. Getting her the care she needed early made a huge difference and helped prevent things from getting even more serious.

Way to go, Charlie!