Firstly, our pets can't speak, they cannot tell us if they feel off colour or unwell or have any other indicators of internal illness. We need to examine them every 6-12 months (check weight, dental check, musculoskeletal check; skin and ear check, heart and lung check, bowel function check, lymph gland check, eye check, nutrition assessment and a holistic check) as well as run some routine screening tests to detect underlying disease BEFORE it is clinically apparent.
Secondly, pets will actively mask signs of illness until late in the course of disease. This stems from survival instincts in a pack or colony situation.
Use the age chart below to find your pets age in "people" years and the screening testing recommended for each stage of his or her life.
We believe the following tests give us the best chance of helping your pets live longer, healthier lives.
Blue/Lilac Every 12 months - Baseline Blood Profile
(a small blood test checking internal organ health)
Every 6 months - Urine Specific Gravity
(a urine test to check how well the kidneys concentrate urine – (no charge test)
Green Every 12 months - Annual Health Profile
(a blood test checking red and white blood cell counts and a more comprehensive internal organ screen)
Every 6 months - Urine Specific Gravity
Yellow Every 12 months - Senior Health Profile
(a comprehensive internal organ screen including Thyroid testing, electrolytes and red and white cell counts and urine specific gravity)
Every 6 months - Urine Specific Gravity +/- Urine Dipstick
Red Every 6 months - Golden Years Health Profile
(a comprehensive internal organ screen including Thyroid testing, electrolytes and red and white cell counts)
Pets may also require the following health checks
An antibody titre test to assess vaccination status every 3 Years as an alternative to regular vaccination
A faecal flotation test every 3 months as an alternative to worming medications
A heartworm test every 12 months if regular heartworm prevention not maintained
Why do our pets need wellness checks?
