Senior companion animals require more frequent veterinary monitoring to detect the earlier onset of age-related conditions while they are most treatable.
Proactive health monitoring in senior animals prevents the welfare harm of undetected progressive disease. Annual checks that were adequate for younger animals miss the more rapid onset of age-related conditions in senior years. Bi-annual comprehensive health checks with blood and urine panels detect kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes at stages where treatment significantly extends quality life. Investing in senior health monitoring is the highest-value welfare investment for ageing companion animals.