Senior Dogs
As dogs age, they become more prone to serious health problems. For example, older dogs are more likely to have high blood pressure, vision or hearing loss, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, joint disease, arthritis and cognitive disorders. More frequent exams and screenings may head off some of these problems, or help you to manage them better. Because of this, we recommend senior dogs have exams, and some testing, twice a year. Our veterinarians will talk to you about what to expect and what to look for in age-related changes in your dog. We’ll also provide suggestions for helping your dog enjoy their golden years.
Some topics our team will discuss with you include:
- Proper diet and nutrition for senior pets
- Maintaining mobility and activities
- Mental health, senility and cognitive decline
- Environmental changes
- Reproductive diseases in intact dogs
- Signs of illness or disease
- Gauging quality of life
Below are the general recommendations for older dogs, though we’ll tailor a wellness plan specific to your dog’s needs.