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Senior Dogs


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Common Medical Conditions
Arthritis
Heart Disease
Cognitive Disorder
Nutrition
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According to a recent survey, 98% of veterinarians believe older dogs have different medical needs.  And 91% said they could detect disease earlier if they saw their patients more often.  Plus, because 1 year of a dog's life equals approximately 7 human years, canine illnesses can progress rapidly.  For all these reasons, senior dogs should have a complete examination at least twice a year.   Your veterinarian at the Animal Care Center may also prescribe medications for arthritis, canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome and other age-related diseases.  
   

Some Questions to think about with your Aging Pet

SLEEP PATTERNS:
How many hours sleep does your pet average per day? ______
Do they have a peaceful sleep throughout the night?  Yes  or   No
        If No: Do they get up during the night to...
  ___ Urinate?  ___ Defecate? ___ Drink Water? ___ Pant?  ___ Pace? ___ Whine? ___ Bark? ___ Other

HOUSE TRAINING: Has there been...
 ___ increase in urination? ___ urinary accidents? ___ leaking urine where they lay? ___ changes of fecal appearance?
  ___ fecal incontinence? ___ awareness of fecal incontinence?

EARS/EYES/NOSE/THROAT: Have you noticed...
 ___ a change in hearing? ___ change in their bark or meow? ___ meowing/moaning more? ___ coughing more?
 ___ a cough that sounds like throat clearing? ___ bad breath? ___ panting more frequently? ___ vision problems?
       If Vision Problems … ___ in bright light? ___ in dim light? ___ at night? ___ up close?

SKIN: Have you noticed...
___ nails longer then normal? ___ itching? ___ shivering? ___ masses? ___ smells bad/ ___ licking or chewing body?
For Cats: Does your pet still groom him or herself:  Yes  or  No
Is your pet's skin: ___ flaky? ___ dry? ___ oily? ___ unkept?
Does your pet seek out area that are: ___ hot? ___ cold? ___ soft? ___ sunny? ___ hard?

MENTATION: Does your pet do any of the following?
 ___ pace during the day? ___ stare off into space? ___ show increased aggression? ___ experience any seizures?
 ___ exhibit less interaction with family? ___ act disoriented or distant during the day?
​ ___ show agitation certain times of the day? ___ find themselves stuck in odd locations?
How long is your pet left by him or herself during the day? _______________
Does your pet have a favorite game?  Yes or No

EATING / DRINKING: Has there been...
 ___ increase in thirst? ___ weight loss? ___ weight gain?
 What is the diet your pet is currently on? _______________________ What treats do you give? _____________________

MOBILITY: Check all of the following that pertains to your pet?
 ___ needs assistance to get up? ___ dragging feet/toes? ___ change in gait/walk? ___ has difficulty jumping ?
 ___ must navigate up/ down stairs in or outside the home? ___ needs assistance climbing stairs?
What floor type do you have at home: ___ tile? ___ wood floor? ___ laminate? ___ rug? ___ Other?
​Has this changed in the past year?  Yes or No 

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS: Please discuss the following items in detail with your veterinarian
Are there other pets in the home? if so...what kind/how old?
Are there any major concerns you have?
Describe what a good day is like for your pet?
List your pet's top 5 favorite things:
List 3 things your pet hates:
What quality of life do you think your pet has right now (1-10 with 10 being the greatest?

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At A Glance...Adult and senior pets require a food with: 

  • Less phosphorus
  • Less protein
  • Less sodium
  • Less calcium
  • Increased fiber - Senior
  • Less magnesium - Cats
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  • HOME
  • Library
  • Pet Information
    • Canine
    • Feline
    • Pet Insurance
    • Live Stock & Chickens
  • Services
    • Alternative Treatments >
      • Acupuncture
      • PulseVet Therapy
      • Therapeutic treatment laser
  • Area Dog Trainers & Pet Groomers
  • Finding A Lost Pet
  • Final Act of Caring
  • Contact Us
  • Halloween
  • What do I do with unused medications?
  • covid animals