SENIOR DOG LIFE CYCLE NEEDS
- Continued behavior guidance
- Clipping toe nails often (ideally every 2 weeks) to prevent overgrowth
- Regular grooming of hair coat to prevent matting and promote a healthy coat
- Frequent weight checks (weight checks are a courtesy here at West Hills Animal Hospital)
- Professional dental cleanings/oral surgery as indicated to control periodontal disease
- Life stage appropriate nutrition (we use and recommend Science Diet products).
- Clean, fresh water daily
- Vaccinations as determined by risk factors
- Annual baseline blood, heartworm, urine, and stool testing to monitor internal organ health
- Semi-annual physical examinations/consultations
- Flea, tick, intestinal parasite, and heartworm prevention
- Appropriate exercise for the breed
- Golden Age Physical (ideal to perform at least once for any dog over the age of 7).
- Appropriate dietary supplements such as SynoviG3, for optimum joint and mental health
- Osteoarthritis treatment as needed
- TLC – Large doses, and often
Semi-Annual Examinations/Consultations:
With advances in veterinary medicine and your pet aging 5-7 years for every 1 human year, we now know that we need semi-annual exam/consultations for early identification of disease and potential problems. The veterinarians and staff at West Hills Animal Hospital are dedicated to helping your pet live a long and comfortable life with you.
Each examination will include: discussion about any medical concerns and his/her lifestyle, nutritional guidance, weight assessment, temperature, evaluation of heart and lung sounds, ear, eyes and mouth examinations, palpation of abdomen, skin and coat evaluation, musculoskeletal examination, and behavior evaluation. This complete external physical exam is needed every 6 months for ideal preventative care.
After the age of seven we increase our diagnostic tests to evaluate all the internal organs during the Golden Age Physical.
You assist us in completing an accurate history by filling out the following Senior Pet Care Health Checklist (pdf) each wellness visit:
If your pet is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an examination with a veterinarian:
- Change in behavior?
- Limping or difficulty walking?
- Hesitation when going up/down elevated surfaces?
- Rapid increase/decrease in weight?
- Moans, growls, or whines when touched or bumped?
- Decrease in activity?
- Urine or stool accidents?
- Bad breath?
- Episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation?
- Licking or chewing excessively?
- Coughing, sneezing or panting more than a little?
- Seizures?
- Seems to be losing sight or hearing?
- Lumps or bumps?
- Confusion or disorientation?
- Decrease in enthusiasm when greeting you?
- Changes with interactions between household members?
- Changes in sleeping pattern?
- Barking for an unusual or unknown reason?
- Aggression towards people or other animals?
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