3 Important Veterinary Services For Senior Dogs

As your dog moves into their golden years, veterinary care becomes more important than ever. Older dogs are more prone to medical issues such as diabetes or arthritis, which can shorten their lifespan and cause pain if they go undiagnosed. Bringing your senior pup in for regular check-ups is key to keeping them happy and healthy in their later years. Here are three of the most important veterinary services for your senior dog:

Annual Pet Check-Ups and Vaccinations

It's very important for older dogs to stay on a vet-recommended schedule for check-ups and vaccinations. Your vet may recommend an annual exam schedule or in some cases, a twice-a-year schedule as your dog gets older. Your vet will also remind you when your dog is due for vaccinations. These are designed to prevent disease and illness, which will help keep your dog healthy and may even increase their lifespan.

In addition, regular check-ups allow your vet to notice changes in your dog's health early, when they can be addressed more easily.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

With 80% of dogs over three experiencing dental disease, it is very important as an owner of a senior dog that you stay on top of your dog's dental health. Untreated dental issues can lead to severe pain, and infected teeth and gums can even cause heart disease and other serious health problems. Your vet will examine your dog's teeth and gums and recommend a cleaning schedule, perhaps once a year. 

During this dental cleaning, your dog will be sedated and comfortable. The vet will clean your dog's teeth and gums, removing any plaque. 

Bloodwork and Urinalysis

When your dog is younger, their annual check-ups may not include bloodwork and urinalysis unless your dog is exhibiting symptoms of illness. Once your dog becomes a senior, however, it is important to be more proactive and include these services at least once a year. Bloodwork can determine if your dog is currently healthy or detect illness early on before there are any noticeable symptoms.

This is crucial because early detection and treatment increase the chances of your dog's recovery. Urinalysis detects issues with your dog's kidneys, such as kidney stones. This is also helpful in pinpointing any issues as early as possible.

When your dog becomes a senior, it's so important to remain proactive about its health. Following the tips in this blog post and taking the advice of a trusted veterinarian will help your dog stay healthy for as long as possible. Contact a local veterinary services provider to learn more.