Canine Senior Vaccines
(For Dogs 7+ Years)

  • Complete physical exam every 6 months
  • DHPP vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus): Booster every 3 years in mature adults with previous vaccines
  • Leptospirosis vaccine: Booster yearly
  • Rabies vaccine: Booster every 3 years after initial 1 year vaccine has been given
  • Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough vaccine): Booster yearly for boarding, grooming, and social dogs
  • Heartworm/Vectorborne disease screen yearly to test for heartworm(transmitted by mosquitoes), lyme disease, ehrlichia, and anaplasma (all of which are transmitted by ticks); Continue with yearly heartworm preventative
  • Fecal 
  • Deworming per CDC recommended guidelines
  • Nutrition consultation
  • Discuss dental care
  • Strongly urge CBC, General Health Profile, electrolytes, and urinalysis yearly


Canine Age Conversion Chart

As your pet ages, changes in behavior and physical condition will occur. Aging can be affected by many variables, including genetics, nutrition and environment. In general, small dogs (less than 20 pounds) tend to have longer life expectancies than medium to large breed dogs. Below is a comparative chart to help relate your pet's age to human years.

 

Weight (lb)

Age

0-20

20-50

50-90

>90

1

  7

   7

  8

  9

2

 13

14

 16

 18

3

 20

 21

 24

 26

4

 26

 27

 31

 34

5

 33

 34

 38

 41

6

 40

 42

 45

 49

7

 44

 47

 50

 56

8

 48

 51

 55

 64

9

 52

 56

 61

 71

10

 56

 60

 66

 78

11

 60

 65

 72

 86

12

 64

 69

 77

 93

13

 68

 74

 82

101

14

 72

 78

 88

108

15

 76

 83

 93

115

16

 80

 87

 99

123

17

 84

 92

104

131

18

 88

 96

109

139

19

 92

101

115

 

20

 96

105

120

 

21

100

109

126

 

22

104

113

130

 

23

108

117

 

 

24

112

120

 

 

25

116

124

 

 

     Color key:       n young adult         n adult         n senior       n geriatric



Even though your pet may appear healthy, there may be changes occurring inside which may not be visible. Many problems common to geriatric pets may not present symptoms until your pet becomes seriously ill. By performing physical examinations every 6 months in combination with annual diagnostic work-ups, we can identify problems early enough to help keep your pet their healthiest.

Conditions commonly seen in older canine companions include: liver and kidney disease, dental disease, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive disfunction syndrome (CDS), thyroid disease, osteoarthritis, cancer, and urinary problems.


What signs should we look for?

As your pet ages, a number of changes occur in almost all body systems. It is important that you bring any of the following symptoms to your veterinarian's attention. Some noticeable changes include: changes in appetite or water consumption, weight gain, weight loss, apparent decreases in vision or hearing, changes in sleeping patterns, difficulty climbing stairs, difficulty jumping up, increased stiffness or limping, house soiling, changes in urination habits, changes in breathing patterns, disorientation, confusion, excessive barking, tremors or shaking, bad breath, changes in activity level. Your pet's haircoat and skin should also be examined for any new lumps or bumps.

Studies show that as many as 23% of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too advanced or costly to treat. By screening for age-related diseases, we can in many cases, detect them before they become severe. With the proper treatment, you can help prolong your pet's life as well as to improve their quality of life.


Senior Care Screening Tests

Screening tests are designed for early detection and prevention of problems common with older pets. The tests chosen will depend on your pet's specific needs, but may include:

CBC (complete blood count)--provides detailed information on red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelets. Abnormal values can be associated with bacterial or viral infections, anemia, clotting diseases and certain types of cancer.

Thyroid level--Measures the amount of circulating thyroid hormone. Deficiency is common in dogs, resulting in lethargy, weight gain, and dermatological issues.

General Health Profile--Evaluates the function of many internal organs. Abnormalities may indicate systemic disorders such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and imbalanced electrolytes.

Urinalysis--Urine samples provide valuable information about kidney function as well as screening for infections, tumors, bladder stones, diabetes.

X-rays (chest and/or abdomen)--Imaging allows visualization of may internal organs including the bladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas and heart. Radiographs are especially useful in diagnosing cardiac problems as well as abdominal growths and tumors.

Glaucoma screening--Eye tests to check for glaucoma and cataracts

Blood pressure screening--Early detection of high blood pressure is very important. Elevated blood pressure, if left to go untreated, may lead to blindness, heart and circulatory problems, or neurological problems.