After Eights Programme: Senior Pet Health Checks in Oldbury, Harborne & Wednesbury
Book your senior pet health check today to increase longevity, maintain health, and preserve your pet's quality of life.
Pets age much faster than we do. It's often said that one dog year equals seven human years. The truth is a little more complicated, but the principle holds: every seven and a half weeks, your dog or cat is effectively a year older. An eighteen-month gap between vet visits is like you seeing your doctor just once a decade.
It's generally agreed that by the age of eight, most cats and dogs are entering their senior years. From this point, body functions steadily decline and pets become more prone to conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, liver dysfunction, diabetes, bladder problems and arthritis.
The good news is that pets are living longer than ever thanks to the same advances in medical care and nutrition that have benefited people too, meaning more years of faithful companionship. It also means a longer "retirement" period, making age-related conditions more likely but, most of these problems can be successfully treated, and even cured, when caught early.
What is the After Eights Programme?
Our After Eights Programme is designed to proactively and regularly check for the health problems that come with ageing. Pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling off, and it’s not always easy to spot the early signs that something isn’t right. This early recognition means health issues can be picked up and managed weeks, months, or even years sooner than they otherwise might be.
From the age of eight, we recommend all dogs and cats are examined every six months:
- One check-up is usually combined with the annual booster vaccination with a vet.
- The other is an in-depth senior health assessment with a member of our veterinary team, including a full range of health screening tests.
These screens help us diagnose conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, bladder problems and heart disease, many of which aren't outwardly obvious until they're more advanced. If anything comes up, we'll talk you through it and recommend next steps.
What's included in a senior health assessment?
- Health review
- Physical examination
- Blood cell tests
- Blood chemistry tests, including liver and kidney function
- Urine tests
- Blood pressure and thyroid test for cats
- Flea check
- Weight check
- Dental check
- Results reviewed by a vet and reported back to you
- A chance to discuss any general health issues
What does it cost?
The senior health assessment costs £99.95 with a nurse, or £109.95 with a vet and Pal For Life members receive their usual discount. Given how much this can do for your pet's long-term health, it's a small price for real peace of mind.
Supporting your older pet between check-ups
Regular vet visits are the foundation, but there's plenty you can do at home too:
Diet & exercise — Keep an eye on their weight. A healthy balance of food and activity makes a real difference to long-term wellbeing.
Home checks — Regularly check the mouth for redness, plaque or loose teeth, eyes for cloudiness or discharge, and ears for wax or unusual odours.
Grooming — Groom them often. A good brush is a great chance to spot lumps, rashes or changes in their coat.
Home comfort — Make sure they're comfortable at home. A clean, warm, dry sleeping area goes a long way.
Routine — Keep routines consistent, particularly if their eyesight is failing. Older pets tend to feel more settled when life is predictable.
Noticed something between visits? Don't wait — call us straight away if you spot any sudden changes in your pet's behaviour or appearance.
Book your pet's senior health check
If your dog or cat is over eight years old and hasn't been seen by us in the last six months, now's the time. Contact us to book an appointment at our Oldbury, Harborne or Wednesbury branch.
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