Senior dog care (7+ years)
Senior dog care (small 11+/medium 10+/large 8+/giant 6 years) shifts from «training and exercise» to «early detection and comfort management». Biannual exams replace annual ones.
Exam rhythm
Every 6 months: CBC + chemistry + urinalysis (kidney screening). Annually add: heartworm, blood pressure, eye exam. Large dogs add joint assessment. Never wait on appetite changes, water intake changes or new lumps.
Joints & exercise
Arthritis is the most common hidden pain. Management: lean body weight (weight loss is the best joint medicine), low-impact exercise (swimming/slow walks), non-slip floors, orthopedic bed, ramps for cars. Long-term pain medication per vet is standard practice.
Cognition & behavior
Canine cognitive dysfunction: night wandering, flipped sleep cycles, forgotten commands, indoor elimination. Management: consistent routine, night lights, brain games, MCT-rich diet. Never punish forgetting.
Dental & diet
Tartar accelerates in seniors, affecting eating and heart. Regular cleanings (after anesthesia assessment). Diet shifts to senior formula (lower phosphorus, quality protein). Warm food to enhance smell when appetite dips.
💡 Key takeaways
- ✓Count sleeping breaths: over 40/min at rest is abnormal
- ✓Senior dogs still need exercise — shorter, more frequent
- ✓Track weight: 5% loss in 6 months is a signal
- ✓Every new lump and every appetite change is worth a visit
FAQ
Should we switch to senior food?
Large breeds at 6, medium at 8, small at 10. Senior formulas are lower phosphorus/sodium with joint support. Transition over 7 days.
Is anesthesia too risky for dental cleaning?
Senior ≠ anesthesia contraindication. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork plus cardiac assessment makes it safe for most seniors. Chronic dental pain and infection outweigh the anesthesia risk.