At Centretown Veterinary Hospital we celebrate our seniors! Ageing is a natural process and one that can be approached with grace. We encourage pets and their parents to monitoring their health more closely. Together, we can take preventative steps to provide the extra support for our seniors.

When is a dog considered a senior pet?

At Centretown Veterinary Hospital, we consider all dogs less than 25kg (55lbs) a geriatric patient after eight years of age and all dogs over 25kg a geriatric after six years of age.

What are the most common health issues experienced by senior dogs?

There are many age-related changes that start to occur as we age, such as decreased hearing, sight and mobility, changes in appetite or elimination, wear and tear on joints and skin. By seeing your veterinarian regularly, we can work as a team to be proactive in helping pets adapt to these changes before they become a concern. Regular lab work is recommended to assess the functionality of major organs, red and white blood cells and platelets, thyroid and bladder health. Finding and addressing abnormalities sooner than later can give us a better chance to prevent more serious changes down the road.

How should I care for my senior dog?

Dogs (and cats) can experience some of the same age-related changes that people do, but they age more rapidly than we do. This means that small changes can become a big concern quickly. We recommend doing a physical exam and routine blood work every 6 months when pets reach these milestones as a lot can change in a year!