How to Get a Senior Dog Wellness Exam

Due to advancements in medical care, dogs are living longer than they ever did before. We love our canine companions and want their senior years to be as healthy and happy as possible. The size and breed of your dog will have a lot to do with his life expectancy, but in general all dogs are considered a senior at age seven.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get your dog's first thorough diagnostic senior wellness exam at age seven unless your vet recommends it earlier. The vet will perform noninvasive diagnostic tests to detect problems associated with old age.

2. Discuss with your vet the changes you'll have to make as your senior dog ages. The vet might recommend dietary and lifestyle changes for the dog and will can tell you what to monitor and what symptoms to watch for.

3. Schedule a senior wellness exam every six months for the rest of your dog's life. During adult years a wellness exam once a year is recommended, but after a dog turns seven, biannually is what most vets will suggest.

4. Bring a stool sample to every senior wellness exam. Your vet will want to monitor your dog to make sure he doesn't have parasites.

5. Monitor your senior dog's health and behavior between exams. Write down anything irregular you notice so you can discuss it with the vet at the next appointment.

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