As your pet ages, you may be faced with the tough decision of having expensive tests done that will determine what type of care your beloved pet cat or dog may need down the line, such as blood work. Many people ask if these tests are truly necessary, and the answer is yes.
There are numerous different technologies that are designed to help your pet live longer, healthier lives. Having blood work done on your older dog or cat will help determine whether or not they are in tip-top shape or lagging because of an infection, anemia or some other problem.
There are many different scenarios where your veterinarian may suggest blood tests, and it is important to be aware of the most common ones in order to provide proper care to your elderly dog or cat. Whether your senior pet is suddenly slowing down and doesn’t appear to be their usual self, or if they have sustained an injury of some sort, it may be helpful to have your vet conduct a blood test to see what is truly going on.
Why Blood Work is Necessary for Senior Pets
Blood tests are something that provide a great deal of information on your elderly dog or cat, which is why many vets strongly suggest you, as a pet owner, have these tests done at a certain point. While the justification for each blood test is different, there are some common reasons why they may be suggested for senior dogs or cats.
The main reason for having blood work done on your senior pet is because, simply, dogs and cats cannot describe symptoms to help us determine what may be wrong. If your elderly pet just does not seem “quite right” (such as losing interest in going outside, no longer greeting you at the door when you get home, or sleeping more than usual), there may be something wrong that only blood work will reveal. Diagnosing an illness in a dog or cat is similar to how it is in humans, which means multiple tests and blood work may be required in order to truly get at the root of the problem.
The older your pet gets, the more important it is for them to have regular vet visits and for you to pay attention to their behavior. There are of course certain conditions that are part of growing older (for example, joint stiffness, reduced hearing, loss of vision), but there are other problems that can only be determined through diagnostic tests and blood work.
When Should Blood Be Tested?
When it comes to elderly dog care or elderly cat care, it is recommended to have blood work done a couple of times a year. This will help prevent or minimize conditions that may otherwise progress very quickly.
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