Dog Care First Vet Visit Senior Dog Parvovirus Summer Care Cat Care First Vet Visit Senior Cat FeLV Cat Myths Exotic Care Birds Rabbits Guinea Pigs Hamsters Box Turtles Important Info Spay and Neuter Zoonotic Diseases AVID FriendChip Wellness Exams Oral Care Pest Prevention For Dogs Only Sentinel For Dogs & Cats Interceptor Frontline Plus

Your Senior Dog Like people, dogs are living longer. We all cherish the companionship of our canine friends. It is important that we help ensure those extended years are the happiest and healthiest possible. Working closely with your veterinarian, you can make a significant difference in the life of your senior dog. As dogs move into the senior pase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans. Diseases and conditions that are commonly known to affect older people also affect our canine companions: kidney, heart, and liver disease, tumors, cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, thyroid conditions, hormonal problems, neuroses, and loss of sensory perception. Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet's needs are essential to quality of life. Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition, and environment all contribute to how your dog will handle the aging process. However, for practical purposes, your dog is considered to be "senior" at 7 years old. Small dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy than medium to large breeds. Since dogs age more rapidly than people (see age chart)m dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months. Studies have shown that as many as 23% of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too difficult or costly to diagnose or treat. A Senior At Seven Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective. Diagnostic Senior At Seven Wellness Exams Several non-invasive tests and procedures performed regularly can help your veterinarian detect early-stage disease when control or even prevention is possible and more cost effective. Senior At Seven Wellness Exams also provide a baseline from which you veterinarian can measure changes. These tests include:     * Complete Blood Count     * Serum Chemistry Profile     * Complete Urinalysis     * Fecal Exam     * Thyroid Hormone Levels     * Other tests recommended by your veterinarian. More Frequent Examinations While an annual exam may be sufficient for younger dogs, your veterinarian may want to see your older dog a least every 6 months. For a dog, this represents 5 to 8 years in the life of a human. Special attention will be paid to your dog's teeth and gums, skin and coat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, eyes, and joints. Annual laboratory tests can detect the onset of disease or abnormal health conditions. Nutrition and Environment A proper diet and suitable environment are critical to your dogs's continued health and comfort. Your veterinarian and hospital staff may advise you on modifications for your aging pet. This may include a special diet based on your dog's specific needs, or an exercise regimen for your senior pet. Medication Conditions such as arthritis are very common disorders in older pets. New medications are now available that are both safe and effective for pain management, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, and other age-related diseases. Senior Wellness Checklist This checklist can help you observe behaviors and symptoms that may indicate potential health problems in your senior dog. If your dog is experiencing one or more of these signs, please inform your vet. The goal of a Senior At Seven Wellness Exam is to maintain the highest quality of life for the longest possible time. Together, we can make the senior years the most rewarding you and your dog have ever shared. The above is a publication of: Antech Diagnostics: The Leader in Veterinary Laboratory Medicine