FUNCTIONAL HEALTH -- SENIOR SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION

Why Age Is the Biggest Risk Factor

Most chronic disease is silent for years.

Waiting for symptoms means:

  • fewer options

  • more aggressive treatment

  • less time to intervene gently


What “Senior” Really Means

  • Dogs: ~7 years (earlier for large breeds)

  • Cats: ~8–9 years

This is when functional decline begins.


Key Screening Areas

  • kidney function

  • heart health

  • blood pressure

  • inflammation markers

  • dental disease


Functional Health Goal

Detect:

  • trends, not crises

  • risk, not failure


When Early Detection Changes Outcomes

Early detection can:

  • delay disease onset

  • preserve quality of life

  • reduce medication burden later


Next Step

Senior pets benefit most from:

  • Foundations + Senior Screening worksheet

  • consult if abnormalities cluster