Dog Lifestages — Senior (7+ years old)
Senior Tips
If you find that your dog is eating less but still putting on weight, it may be due to a slowdown of metabolism or a decrease in activity. Ask your vet for advice on your dog’s nutritional requirements.
Do as much as you can to prevent fleas and ticks. Make sure your dog and his environment (bed, play area) are spotlessly clean.
Besides your dog’s usual complete physical exam, your vet may conduct urine and fecal analysis and blood work. Ultrasounds and other imaging tests may also be recommended.
Senior Best Care Checkup
It’s a question on every pet owner’s mind. How long do dogs live? The answer is different for every dog, but if you participate in a comprehensive care program like Senior Best Care, a long healthy life is very possible. From annual diagnostic testing to fecal exams to X-rays, VCA puts senior dog care at the top of the list.
Learn more about this special package, or call us at 770-452-1001 to make an appointment today.
Senior Center
Caring for a senior dog involves a bit more time and attention than caring for a younger one. But you’ve come to the right place for tips, tricks, advice and the latest news on senior dog care.
Basic Care
Research everything you need to know about caring for an older dog. Here you’ll find links to
articles on basic care including exercise, medications and more.
- Caring for Senior Dogs: What You Need to Know
- 3 Things Every Owner Needs to Know About Senior Pet Health
- 10 Life-Improving Products for Senior Dogs
- For Senior Pets, Age is Just a Number
- When Senior Dogs Develop Bad Habits
- Work With Your Veterinarian to Make Your Senior Pet's Golden Years Healthy
- 3 Things Every Owner Needs to Know About Senior Pet Health
- Older Pets Don't Have to Suffer In Winter
- Senior Pet Proof Your Home in 5 Easy Steps
Nutrition
Older dogs may need lower-calorie diets to help prevent against obesity and higher fiber diets to
improve gastrointestinal health. Learn how to manage your older dog’s nutritional needs here.
Medical
More frequent vet visits are a must for senior dogs. It’s also important to look out for
warning signs of a medical emergency. Read more to learn what to look for.
- Did My Dog Have a Stroke?
- How Can I Manage My Dog's Arthritis?
- 10 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog
- Dementia in Senior Dogs: 6 Ways to Deal With the Effects
- How to Help Your Senior Dog Deal With the Aches and Pains of Old Age
- Are Twice-Yearly Wellness Checks Necessary for My Older Dog?
- Senior Dog Solutions: How to Communicate With a Deaf Pet
- Cognitive Dysfunction in Pets
Training
Older dogs have the ability to focus for a much longer period of time. Which is good news
if you’re interested in training. Read more here about training mature dogs.
- Teach Your Senior Dog to Use a Ramp or Stairs
- Old Dogs, New Habits: Ways to Make Senior Dogs More Comfortable
Best Care Little Bundles for Puppies includes:*
- 3 physical exams
- Puppy Vaccinations
- Vaccines recommended for all puppies include:
- Canine distemper virus
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
- Canine parainfluenza (CPiV)
- Canine leptospirosis
- Canine rabies virus
- Vaccines recommended for puppies in special circumstances:*
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
- Canine influenza virus (CIV)
- Intestinal parasite examinations (2)
- Heartworm test (for puppies aged 6-12 months)
- De-worming treatments (1 per visit)
- Nutritional consultation
- Microchip and/or annual enrollment
- First dose of internal/external parasite control
- Best Care Little Bundles Puppy Booklet
* Valid only for Puppies up to 12 months old. Each plan will be tailored by the attending veterinarian to the individual needs of your pet and may include some, all or additional vaccines than those listed here. The plan is not intended for sick pets and must be completed within 90 days of the initial visit. This offer is non-refundable, and cannot be combined with other offers.
Adult Best Care Checkup includes:*
- Complete history and physical exam
- Blood work (CBC + 8 tests)
- Urinalysis
- Fecal test (check for common parasites)
- Heartworm test
*Not valid for pets over 7 years old. Not appropriate for sick pets. Additional fees for vaccinations or medications may apply. Not to be combined with any other offer.
Senior Best Care Checkup includes:*
- Complete history and physical exam
- Blood work (CBC + 30 tests)
- Urinalysis
- Fecal test (check for common parasites)
- Heartworm test
- 5 X-ray images (Chest and Abdomen)
* Valid only for pets 7 years old and over. Not appropriate for sick pets. Additional fees for vaccinations or medications may apply. Not to be combined with any other offer.
