Veterinary Care
What does my vet need to do for my new senior dog before I bring him home?
Your dog should be tested for heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas and have complete blood work checked to ascertain her overall health.
How often should I take my senior dog to the vet?
All senior dogs should be examined by a veterinarian at least twice a year.
Does my senior dog need vaccinations?
Senior dogs should have a Rabies virus vaccine every three years because it is required by law. A DHPP vaccine protects against 4 other viruses that are contagious between dogs. If your dog is around any other dogs, they should have this vaccine every 3 years as well. Bordetella (kennel cough) is a highly contagious disease your dog can be exposed to in kennels, pet stores, and groomers, so all dogs should have this vaccine once per year. The only exception would, potentially, be cases where your dog has a chronic illness that could make him more prone to complications following vaccination. You should discuss whether to vaccinate your dog, do yearly titers, or skip vaccinations altogether in your elderly dog.
What tests does the vet need to run on my senior dog?
Dogs should be blood tested for Heartworms before they are put on Heartworm Prevention and then annually to detect any infection early. Your dog's stool should be tested for intestinal worms annually as well.
Does my dog need regular bloodwork?
Geriatric dogs should have senior wellness blood testing performed annually in order to detect health problems early. If your dog already has any chronic illnesses, your vet will set up a schedule to monitor these problems more often than once per year. Dogs should also be free of fleas before entering your house.
Does my indoor dog need to be on heartworm and flea prevention?
Heartworms come from mosquito bites and all dogs are at risk for exposure when they go outdoors for walks or to eliminate. If your dog lives at very high altitudes, consistantly cold temperatures or exclusively indoors, he may not need a preventative. Some dogs need a preventative all year round and others only during the warmer months. Discuss your dog's individual risk with your veterinarian. Flea populations are variable as well. Dogs that are at high risk for flea infestations should be on a preventative all the time; whereas, other dogs may not need it at all until fleas are actually seen on the pet.
Should my senior dog be spayed/neutered?
Absolutely, as long as your dog is healthy enough to undergo the surgery.
Does my senior dog need to go to the dentist?
Your regular veterinarian will let you know when your dog needs a professional teeth cleaning under general anesthesia. Severe dental disease left untreated can lead to other health problems, such as heart failure. Infected teeth need to be removed and healthy teeth cleaned usually on an annual basis with senior dogs. Your vet can refer you to a Veterinary Dental Specialist if you want to save your dog's teeth from extraction, but most dogs have no problem eating even when all of their teeth are gone because they don't need to chew their food for proper digestion.
Should my pet be microchipped?
Yes! A microchip will allow you and your pet to be reunited in the event you get separated somehow. A collar and ID tag can also help, but a microchip is implanted under your dog's skin and can be traced via a special scanner used at any veterinarian's office, animal control, or animal shelter.
Does my dog need pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a wise investment for any pet, but especially a senior animal. Accidents and illnesses are more likely to happen as your dog ages, and pet insurance will help to absorb the costs of emergency or even routine care. Research plans that can help with either the unexpected or the routine care, but make sure you read the fine print carefully for anything that may be excluded due to pre-existing conditions, age, or conditions that simply aren't covered under the plan.
Should I be worried that my dog seems to have less vision or hearing?
Sensory decline in older years is common among dogs. You might see a glassy or white appearance to the eyes: cataracts are normal. Dogs may also become less responsive to verbal commands. You can train them to respond to hand signals instead.
How do I know if my senior dog is sick?
Watch for anything out of the ordinary--you will get to know your dog! Loss of appetite, drinking more water than usual, losing weight, difficulty urinating or defecating, losing hair, and changes in behavior can all be signs of illness. Take your dog to the veterinarian!
How will I know when it’s time to euthanize my dog?
Most people will just "know" when it's time to euthanize their pet. Usually, if you're seriously asking the question, it means that your pet is on a decline. Any time your dog's condition begins to decline, you should rule out treatable medical conditions that could be contributing to your dog's current condition. In general, though, a dog is a likely candidate for euthanasia if he is not eating, not drinking, and/or has a poor quality of life.