Senior Dog Care
All that a young dog wants to do is spend their days running, playing, and loving life. We expect that when they become senior dogs, they will slow down and stop being active, but it doesn’t have to be! By taking a little extra care, your dog’s later years can be just as vibrant and fun-filled as their early years. Like humans, dogs can have special needs as they age. We can help you understand the changes you’ve seen in your dog and provide you with information and treatments to keep your older dog feeling like a puppy.
When is a dog considered a senior pet?
Once a dog reaches the age of 7, they are considered to be a senior, but a dog’s age at different rates, depending on their size. For large breeds, their expected lifespan is often several years shorter. So, for these dogs, we begin treating them as seniors at 4 or 5 years of age. Therefore, this is the time when we want to start preventive care to keep your dog healthier in their advanced years.
How should I care for my senior dog? (example: schedule regular check-ups, exercise, special diet, etc.)
When you bring your dog in for a senior visit, we do a full physical exam. We also recommend blood tests as the results can tell us valuable information on your pet’s wellbeing. As senior dogs have different nutritional needs, we can discuss the best diet for them.
