Have you had a dog since he or she was a puppy but is now old? If this is the case, you want to give them the care and support they need to age gracefully and comfortably. Caring for your older dog enriches and enhances their life.

Thus, scheduling regular veterinary visits for your senior dog should be a priority. Senior dogs should have semi-annual vet visits instead of annual visits. At this stage, senior dogs exhibit many physical and psychological changes associated with aging.

Crucially, you may not notice these changes. However, experienced vets can, and they can help minimize and prevent any complications and diseases to ease the senior dogs’ suffering.

Why Checkups for Senior Dogs Are Different

As dogs get older, they face a higher risk of diseases and health complications. Statistics show that there are common health problems likely to occur in senior dogs. These conditions include:
 

• Cognitive disorders.
   

• Arthritis.
   

• Cancer.
   

• Organ failure.
   

• Hypothyroidism.
   

• Diabetes mellitus.
   

• Chronic kidney disease.

Your vet can detect and treat any health issues early before they manifest. Because every dog is unique and faces different challenges, your vet may schedule tailored checkups and visits to ensure optimal health for your dog. That means you may have to take your senior dog to the vet more than twice a year.

What to Expect During These Visits

Dogs develop conditions gradually as they get older, some or all of which can go unnoticed. Whether your senior dog is displaying any symptoms or not, you still have to take him or her for checkups at least twice a year. Ask the vet any questions you may have regarding your canine friend during these visits.

Your vet will go through your dog’s medical history before conducting a full physical exam. Things looked at during a full physical examination include bloodwork, joints and muscles, abdomen, lungs and nose, the heart and circulatory system, thyroid gland, ears and eyes, mouth, gums and teeth, skin and coat quality, and weight and body condition.

Additionally, your vet will discuss with you the overall well-being of your senior dog in matters regarding his or her movement changes, nutrition, interactions, sleep patterns, daily schedule, and behavior.

Vaccines for Senior Dogs

Vaccines are naturally part of routine vet visits. You need to discuss this topic with your vet to find out how many vaccines your senior dog should receive. The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) recommends fewer vaccines for senior dogs. Ensure that your canine companion does not receive more vaccines than necessary.

How to Care for Your Senior Dog

To ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life, you have to make good food choices. Because of the dog’s slowed metabolism and decreased physical activity, you may have to reduce the number of calories you feed your senior dog. Discuss changes in nutrition with your vet.

Ensure your dog gets enough exercise as well. Although your senior dog may not be as active as before, you still need to have them exercise daily. Dogs tend to age better both mentally and physically when they remain active. Moderate and regular exercises can help your dog heighten their motor skills, stimulate their cognitive capacity, and help them maintain healthy body weight.

To know how often you should take your senior dog to the vet, visit Dr. J Personal Vet at our office in Atlanta, Georgia. You can call (855) 738-7437 today to schedule an appointment.