Patient Care Focus: Helping senior pets live happier, healthier lives
AS pets grow older, their healthcare needs change - and that’s why our latest Patient Care Focus is dedicated to supporting our senior patients through early detection and preventative care.
Many age-related conditions develop gradually and can easily be mistaken for "just getting old." However, changes in mobility, behaviour, appetite or energy levels may be signs of an underlying condition that, if identified early, can often be treated or managed successfully.
By encouraging owners to bring their senior pets in for a wellness check, we have an opportunity to make a real difference to both the length and quality of their lives.
The Senior Pets Patient Care Focus starts on October 1st and runs until November 30th, with the option to extend into December.
We'll be encouraging owners of dogs aged 7 years and over and cats aged 9 years and over to book a Senior Wellness Check, which includes a free urine screening.
More detailed information is available in the Senior Patient Care Focus communications pack that has already been distributed to practices
Why are we focusing on senior pets?
Our pets age much faster than we do. Routine health checks allow us to identify potential concerns before they become more serious, helping pets stay healthier for longer while giving owners confidence that they're doing the very best for their companion.
This Patient Care Focus also supports stronger client relationships by reinforcing the value of preventative healthcare and regular veterinary visits.
The key messages to share
Every conversation with a client is an opportunity to educate and encourage. Please help reinforce these important messages:
Pets age much faster than we do.
What may appear to be "just old age" could actually be a manageable medical condition.
Early detection can help prevent more serious health issues and improve a pet's quality of life.
Regular wellness checks are one of the best ways to keep senior pets healthy and comfortable.
What is the offer?
• Senior Wellness check including free urine screening
• During examination - Save 50% off wellness blood screening
Everyone in practice plays an important role in the success of the Senior Pet Patient Care Focus.
It gives your team the opportunity to recommend specific products for senior pets such as senior pet diets, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, Adaptil and Feliway, grooming equipment and treats designed to hide tablets in.
It is important that these products are stocked and available in practice, offering convenience for your clients. They are much more likely to follow your recommendations if the products are available for them at the point of discussion.
Please look for opportunities to:
Identify eligible senior pets when booking appointments.
Recommend a Senior Wellness Check to suitable clients.
Explain the benefits of the complimentary urine screening.
Encourage owners to mention any changes they've noticed, however small.
Help owners understand that healthy ageing starts with proactive care.
Together, we can help more pets enjoy their senior years in comfort while supporting owners with the knowledge and reassurance they need.
We’re championing preventative healthcare and making a positive difference for our senior patients - one wellness check at a time.
Training and learning support
CPD and learning materials can be found on the My VetPartners learning hub here: Senior Patient Care Focus - VetPartners Learning
We have also organised CPD events. Please see the Patient Care Focus communications pack for full details.
Marketing support
Client information sheets, patient cards and age conversion charts are available. A dedicated social media pack has already been distributed to practices via the Social Media team.
Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director.
Comments