Senior Care

While we all wish our pets would stay young forever, they unfortunately age at a quicker pace than we do. Senior pets experience the same symptoms and challenges of aging that humans do, so they require a little extra health care and a little extra love!

When is a dog considered a senior pet?

It depends on the dog’s breed. Usually, small breed dogs are considered seniors at around 9 years of age, medium to large breeds at around 7 years of age, and giant breeds like Great Danes become seniors at about 5 years old.

How should I care for my senior dog (example: schedule regular check-ups, exercise, special diet, etc.)?

It is strongly recommended to bring your pet in once a year for a physical exam and bloodwork. Older dogs are more at risk for health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis, low thyroid, etc. Some of these conditions can be managed if they are caught early enough, but treatment becomes more difficult if the disease is advanced. Yearly blood panels are a great way to monitor your pet’s health and catch a health condition while it’s still in the early stages. There are also diets specially formulated for older pets that cater to the specific health needs of senior pets.