Canine Senior Wellness
Adult canine wellness plan 8 years and beyond.
The veterinarians and staff at Wilderness Trace Veterinary Clinic are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of your dog, from its first puppy visit, well into its senior years.
It is important to realize that the aging process is not a “disease”. It is the normal slowdown of the body’s functions, such as a decreased metabolism, a decreased ability to fight off disease, increased tissue fragility, loss of muscle mass, and decreased joint flexibility. Since the dog’s body ages more rapidly than a human body, bi-annual physical exams will help discover problems in animals that may “appear” to be healthy. Remember that prevention and early intervention are always more cost-effective than the treatment of clinical disease. Routine physical exams of the “senior” dog will help extend the years that you enjoy with your companion.
It is important to realize that the aging process is not a “disease”. It is the normal slowdown of the body’s functions, such as a decreased metabolism, a decreased ability to fight off disease, increased tissue fragility, loss of muscle mass, and decreased joint flexibility. Since the dog’s body ages more rapidly than a human body, bi-annual physical exams will help discover problems in animals that may “appear” to be healthy. Remember that prevention and early intervention are always more cost-effective than the treatment of clinical disease. Routine physical exams of the “senior” dog will help extend the years that you enjoy with your companion.
Common problems of the senior dog include:
Heart Failure
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Dental Disease
Cancer
Senility (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Adrenal Disease
Urinary Incontinence
Loss of hearing/sight
Autoimmune Disease
Comprehensive Senior Wellness Program
Physical exam of the following systems:
Coat and skin
Eyes
Ears
Nose and throat
Mouth, teeth, and gums
Heart
Abdomen
Lungs
Neurologic system (spinal nerves, reflexes, monitor seizures)
Urogenital system (urination habits, discharge, mammary tumor, anal glands, and prostate)
Yearly Vaccinations
Canine Vaccines: Rabies, DA2PP, Bordetella
Intestinal Parasite and Heartworm Test
Weight and Nutrition Counseling
Comprehensive Senior Wellness Program
Physical exam of the following systems:
Coat and skin
Eyes
Ears
Nose and throat
Mouth, Teeth, Gums
Heart
Abdomen
Lungs
Neurologic System (spinal nerves, reflexes, monitor seizures)
Urogenital System (urination habits, discharge, mammary tumors, anal glands, prostate)
Yearly Vaccinations
Canine Vaccines: Rabies, DA2PP, Bordetella
Intestinal Parasite and Heartworm Test
Weight and Nutrition Counseling
Senior Wellness Profiles
Take care of them in their golden years!
The following tests are highly recommended to determine if your dog’s kidneys and thyroid are operating properly, as well as the detection of hormonal problems such as diabetes.
Our comprehensive senior wellness profile includes:
Complete blood count (CBC): evaluates the cellular components of the bloodstream
Red blood cells (RBC) carry oxygen to the body's organs
White blood cells (WBC) are the “soldiers” of the body that fight infection
Urinalysis: analysis of the urine is effective for detecting problems with the kidneys, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases.
Thyroid testing: Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can have significant adverse effects on your pet’s body.
Red blood cells (RBC) carry oxygen to the body organs
Biochemistries: Allows your veterinarian to detect problems with the kidneys, liver, thyroid, pancreas, and other glands in the body.
Electrolytes: abnormalities of electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium, can affect many organ systems in the body.
Please note that additional tests may be required depending on the presence of noted abnormalities. Those tests may include blood pressure, eye pressure, ECG (measures beat and rhythm of the heart), X-ray, or ultrasound.
The purpose of these tests:
- Help to establish baseline values that can be used for comparison when changes occur
- Can identify existing health problems that aren’t detected through a physical exam alone
- Can assist with monitoring progress during treatment for disease
Senior Nutrition
Every senior dog is different in aging and nutritional needs.
For small and medium breeds weighing less than 50 pounds, a dog is considered a senior at 8 years of age. For large breeds, dogs weighing 51-90 pounds are considered seniors at 6 years of age. Giant breeds weighing more than 91 pounds are considered seniors at 5 years.
Every senior dog is different in aging and nutritional needs. If they are doing well on their current diet, then there may not be a need to change their food. Some senior dogs that have developed health concerns over the years may require special diets. Most senior dogs will require fewer calories but still will need high-quality diets. Some senior diets address this need by decreasing the calories in the diet while still maintaining protein levels. Senior dogs have less of an ability to take in protein, so they will still require a high-quality protein diet. In certain circumstances, supplements are helpful to senior dogs. It is always best to check with the veterinarian about the supplements you are giving or would like to give your dog.
Wilderness Trace Veterinary Clinic offers pet wellness plans, (including dog wellness and cat wellness), pet vaccines (including puppy vaccines and kitten vaccines), cold laser therapy, laboratory services, dental care, pet radiology, and pet surgery for pet parents in Junction City, KY, and the surrounding areas. Our experienced veterinarians are dedicated to providing the best medicine for your beloved companion. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference that compassionate, expert care can make.
