Senior Pet Wellbeing
Helping senior pets live healthier, happier and more comfortable lives.
As our pets get older, their health needs begin to change. Many age-related conditions develop gradually, and dogs and cats can be very good at hiding pain or illness.
A VetPlus Senior Health Check helps us identify subtle changes early, assess your pet's overall wellbeing and create a plan to support them through their senior years.
Dogs aged 7 years and over and cats aged 9 years and over may benefit from a Senior Health Check.
Senior Spotlight offers are available at VetPlus Rotorua and VetPlus Taupō until 31 August 2026.
Call 0800 VETPLUS to book.
Is your pet considered senior?
Pets often reach their senior years earlier than their owners expect.
- Dogs are generally considered senior from around 7 years of age.
- Cats are generally considered senior from around 9 years of age.
This does not mean they are suddenly old or unwell. It simply means regular health monitoring becomes increasingly important.
A Senior Health Check can help detect early signs of arthritis, dental disease, kidney or liver changes, weight concerns and other age-related conditions.
What is included in a VetPlus Senior Health Check?
Our Senior Health Check is designed to look at the whole pet, not just one concern.
Comprehensive physical examination
A thorough nose-to-tail assessment, including your pet’s:
- Heart and lungs
- Eyes and ears
- Skin and coat
- Abdomen and internal organs
- Joints and mobility
- General comfort and condition
Lumps and bumps check
We assess existing lumps and identify any new growths that may need monitoring or further investigation.
Blood testing
Blood testing gives us valuable information about organ function and may identify changes before your pet shows obvious symptoms.
Urine testing
Urinalysis helps us assess kidney, bladder and metabolic health and provides another important part of the overall picture.
Dental assessment
We check for dental disease, inflammation, infection, damaged teeth and other causes of mouth pain.
Arthritis and mobility assessment
We assess how comfortably your pet is moving and look for signs of stiffness, soreness or arthritis.
Weight and nutrition review
Your pet’s weight, body condition and diet are reviewed, with practical advice tailored to their age, lifestyle and health needs.
Vaccination review
We review your pet’s vaccination status and advise whether any vaccinations are due. Vaccinations are not included in the Senior Health Check price unless specifically stated.
What happens after the health check?
Once the examination and test results are complete, your vet will discuss the findings with you.
Depending on your pet's needs, recommendations may include:
- Monitoring a change over time
- Pain management or arthritis treatment
- Dental treatment
- A senior or prescription diet
- Weight management advice
- Further testing or imaging
- Changes to medication
- A follow-up health check
Our aim is to create a realistic plan that supports your pet's comfort, mobility and quality of life.
Supporting senior pets with pain and mobility changes
Slowing down is not always an unavoidable part of ageing.
Arthritis and chronic pain are common in senior pets, but there are several options that may help improve comfort and movement.
- Beransa for dogs
- Solensia for cats
- Metacam
- Rimadyl
- Weight management
- Senior or joint-support diets
- Changes to exercise and home routines
Senior Spotlight Offer
During our Senior Pet Wellbeing campaign, selected Senior Spotlight offers may include:
- Discount on a Senior Health Check
- Blood testing and urinalysis included
- Free or discounted flea and worm treatment
- Offers on selected senior diets
- Support for arthritis and long-term pain management
Offers, pricing and product availability may vary. Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need to be showing symptoms?
No. Senior Health Checks are useful even when your pet appears well.
Does my pet need to fast?
Our team will let you know if fasting is required when you book.
Do I need to bring a urine sample?
We'll advise you when booking if a sample is needed and how to collect one.
How long does the appointment take?
Our reception team will advise the expected appointment length when booking.
Can new clients book?
Yes. Senior Pet Wellbeing is available to existing, new and returning clients.
