They say the only unfortunate part of owning a dog is that they do not live long enough. As your furry friend grows older, they will experience several bodily changes. These include greying of hair, auditory issues, loss of vigor and mobility, etc.
Just like humans, dogs also become more susceptible to medical issues as they age. This makes it crucial to ensure you take your senior pet for regular veterinary check-ups. While pups and young adult dogs need routine health checks annually, senior pets should see their vets every six months.
In this article, we will discuss the four most important wellness checks that a geriatric pet needs every six months.
Thorough Physical Examination
A physical examination is a crucial check in which the veterinarian usually observes the pet’s gait and posture off-leash. First, the doctor may go through your dog’s medical history and enquire about any recent abnormalities you may have observed. These could include their mood, energy, or physical health.
They will also ask you about your pet’s current diet, exercise, and levels of hunger and thirst. Many vets even ask for a fresh sample of the dog’s feces for a fecal examination. Then, they will begin the process of a thorough physical check, which will include –
- Testing your pet’s weight
- Observing their gait and posture for any irregularities
- Examining their nails and feet for signs of damage or health concerns
- Checking the ears for wax build-up, bacterial infection, ear mites, etc.
- Assessing the pet’s teeth for signs of periodontal gum disease, tooth decay, and so on
- Feeling along your dog’s coat to check for any swelling, pain, or limited-range motion
- Palpating your pet’s abdomen to see if there’s any discomfort that could point towards internal organ damage
- Closely observing their skin for any issues like lumps, dryness, or parasites
- Checking their eyes for swelling, redness, excessive tearing, or cloudiness
In a nutshell, the physical examination will (externally) cover your senior pet from their head to tail. This test can help the vet to detect even slight abnormalities in your pet’s health. For instance – one disease that is common among senior dogs is osteoarthritis.
There is no cure for this progressive condition, but early detection helps in appropriate disease management. If the vet observes any abnormalities in the pet’s posture or gait, they may recommend X-rays for an accurate diagnosis.
Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may suggest self-care, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgery. In most cases, Caprovet for dogs is recommended to manage pain associated with the condition or post-surgery care.
According to PetRx, these chewable caplets are easy to administer and come in varying strengths or dosages. It is vital to follow the vet’s instructions so that your dog can quickly resume engaging in activities they enjoy.
Besides medical assistance, you can help your pet through weight management, massages, and heat and cold therapy (via ice pack).
Complete Blood Count and Chemistry Profile
Complete blood count, or simply bloodwork, is an important test recommended for pets of all ages. However, your senior pet needs it all the more because of how quickly things may change with age. Not only is their body highly susceptible to illnesses but they may also have compromised immune function to survive a late diagnosis.
During a CBC test, a blood sample is taken to analyze red and white blood cells under a microscope. If your pet is anemic, this test will reveal it. Moreover, there may be certain conditions or infections their body is already fighting (though no symptoms appear). These conditions can also be detected through a complete blood count.
As for the biochemistry profile, this test will involve assessing all the chemicals present in your pet’s blood sample. These include their blood sugar levels, electrolyte balance, protein levels, and thyroid hormones. This examination can help detect early stages of liver or kidney disease.
Heartworm Test
One major threat for every pet is parasitic heartworms. Also known as Dirofilaria Immitis, these worms are usually spread through a mosquito bite. Heartworms can cause serious damage to a pet’s organs, primarily their lungs and heart.
Some common symptoms of this disease include –
- Reluctance to exercise or play
- Mild, persistent cough
- Fatigue, even after moderate activity
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
As the disease progresses, it may lead to excess fluid in the abdomen (swollen belly) and heart failure. This disease is not an exclusive threat to senior dogs. What makes it so dangerous for geriatric pets is that their aging bodies may be unable to fight the disease. Hence, early detection becomes a must.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heartworm tests are usually performed using a blood test. The vet may suggest antigen tests to detect specific proteins that female heartworms release into the pet’s bloodstream.
The most common treatment method for heartworms is antibiotics that kill these parasites. Some dogs with advanced disease may require special diets and diuretics to remove fluid accumulation. Remember that most dogs have advanced heartworm disease by the time of diagnosis.
This means the parasites have stayed long enough to cause damage to the pet’s heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. In later stages, the prognosis is poor, and the pet may have only a few months to live. Routine checks (every six months) can bless your pet with a longer life.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis or the testing of a pet’s urine sample must also be a part of your senior dog’s wellness check. This test helps the vet to get a complete health profile of your pet’s urinary system, including their ureters, kidneys, bladder, and urethra.
Any inflammation or infection in the urinary system can be easily detected through a urinalysis. Besides, this test helps in the early detection of diabetes through the presence of glucose or ketones in the urine.
If your pet’s vet suspects this condition, they may recommend further tests in the form of blood glucose concentration measurement. If glucose is found in the urine sample and the blood, an accurate diagnosis of diabetes is made.
While antibiotics are the most commonly chosen treatment option for kidney infection, diabetes requires the administration of insulin through injections. The vet may also suggest certain dietary and lifestyle changes for better disease management.
Kidney infections and diabetes can become life-threatening if not detected and treated on time. Some senior pets may succumb to their disease within a month or two of diagnosis. However, those with dedicated parents show a good prognosis, living over two years after diagnosis. This makes urinalysis a must during routine wellness checks.
Wrapping Up
Senior dogs are more vulnerable to developing chronic health conditions affecting their lungs, heart, and kidneys. Staying consistent with this fact, they may also suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. As a good measure of safety, you can add a blood pressure test to your senior pet’s routine wellness check.
Furthermore, your dog’s senior citizen status depends upon their breed’s size. As a general rule, small canines become senior members at age 12. Medium-sized dogs enter the geriatric community at age 10, while larger breeds may become old much sooner (seven years).
As your little pup ages, their needs also change. Maintaining a good diet, encouraging regular exercise, and keeping up with routine vet visits are ways to ensure they live a long and healthy life.