Veterinarians agree: Keeping your dog in good health is more effective and affordable than needing to get them back to good health. Dogs 8 years and up are considered to be in their senior years. (Think about humans 55 years and older.) They may have less energy, joint or mobility issues, and require more tender love and care. We recommend staying on top of their health twice annually with a senior dog wellness exam. But make sure to discuss frequency with your dog’s veterinarian as this is dependent on their unique health. We have over 350 trusted local vets in neighborhoods across the nation, so
check if we’re in yours and book an appointment today.
Now let’s break down what the gold standard of veterinary care includes and what financial support we offer, particularly for your dog at their senior stage of life. We’ll cover:
Twice Yearly Exams: Why they matter, what to expect, and what to bring along.
CareCredit: What it is, how you can use it, and why it helps.**
Does My Senior Dog Really Need an Annual Exam If They Already Seem Healthy?
Yes!
Annual exams are routine checkups to help maintain your pet’s good health and catch anything under the surface that may go otherwise unnoticed. A full nose-to-tail exam at our hospitals includes a check for too much or too little weight, coat/skin concerns, dental health issues, ears/eyes problems, poor mobility and joints, heart and/or lung dysfunction, blood, urine, and fecal issues, and any vaccinations that may be due. It’s a good idea to get your pet insurance early. You can also ask your veterinary team for recommendations to help with unexpected medical costs in future.
What Happens at My Dog’s Senior Exam?
Expect a warm welcome! We treat every pet like they’re our own, and your pet will be no different. Check in at the front desk and then when we’re ready for your appointment to begin, we’ll start with a full physical exam:
1 Body: Physical Wellness Exam for Your Dog
The exam begins by checking your pet's stance and movement before feeling any signs of swelling or pain over the whole body. We also look for any sign of illness such as unusual discharge, irritation, or inflammation around the nose, eyes, and ears.
2 Dog Dental Care: Teeth and Mouth Checkup
The inside of your dog’s mouth is examined for any signs of dental damage or gum (periodontal) disease. A dental procedure under anesthesia with X-rays of all their teeth may be discussed, as well as at-home dental care. Dental care is essential care because it can support overall body health and avoid expensive medical bills in the future.
3 Organs: Your Dog’s Health from the Inside
Troubles in these major organ areas can be indicative of serious disease, so it’s an important part of the examination process. We listen to the heart and lungs and then feel the abdomen for any signs of distress.
4 Dermatology: Skin, Coat, and Nail Inspection for Dogs
An overall exam of the skin and hair coat is performed to check for signs of hair loss, dryness, parasites, or abnormal lumps. Your pet’s feet and nails are examined for signs of damage or inflammation, and your vet can also perform a nail trim if requested.
5 Nutrition and Weight: Your Dog’s Diet and Exercise
Your pet’s weight will be recorded and evaluated against pets of a similar age, breed, size, and gender. Your veterinarian will let you know if there are concerns over their weight. We may ask about your pet’s lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, urination and bowel movements, thirst levels, and general behavior.
6 Microchip Checkup: Keeping Contact Info Up to Date
We’ll also update your pet’s microchip if needed. Keeping this info up to date is key to a greater chance of being reunited if your dog ever goes missing.
7 General
Blood, fecal, and urine analysis may be suggested to test for diseases that don’t always show visible symptoms. (Pets are pros at hiding pain and discomfort!) It’s also so important to set a baseline, especially when healthy, so that we have your pet’s “normal” to compare to over time and can act earlier if sudden changes occur. Advanced diagnostics including senior screening, chest radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound may also be discussed.
8 Preventive : Required Vaccines for Senior Dogs***
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your pup from harmful diseases and for you to avoid expensive treatment plans. Plus, some diseases like rabies and leptospirosis can transfer from pets to humans, so you’re protecting yourself and your family too!
Any vaccines that are due will be recommended and discussed. Senior dogs require a series of core vaccinations regardless of lifestyle or environment. These include DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Rabies, and Leptospirosis. On top of the core vaccines required, there are various lifestyle-based vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme, and Influenza. These non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s age, home location, daily activities, and frequency of contact with other animals like at daycare or boarding.
9 Parasite Prevention: According to Your Dog’s Lifestyle and Location
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention will be discussed according to your pet’s lifestyle and home location. Parasite prevention medication can kill or repel these pests before disease is transferred to your dog. This is the best way to protect because it offers them an invisible shield, no matter where they may roam!
Lyme disease comes from the bite of an infected tick.
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, Lyme disease continues to expand southward and westward beyond the historically high-risk areas such as the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Hot spots for Lyme disease are also forecasted in northern and southwestern Michigan and southern Indiana. Plus, a higher-than-normal risk is expected to continue in North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, southeastern Iowa, Illinois, and eastern Kentucky. For the first time, Lyme forecasts include eastern Montana.
Heartworm disease comes from the bite of an infected mosquito.
That’s right, it can fly into the home! Companion Animal Parasite Council reported that heartworm disease continues to show high risk along the Mississippi River, throughout southern portions of the Midwest, and along the Atlantic coast into Virginia and southern New Jersey. The risk continues to increase in the mid-Atlantic region, pushing northward into the densely populated regions of the northeast. Additional areas likely to experience increased risk include New Mexico, portions of Colorado, and the northern Great Plains. It’s important to note that while risk may be lower in some areas, heartworm disease is found in all states. Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that is very complicated and expensive to treat in dogs. So prevention is the surest way to avoid scares and expensive veterinary bills.
What Should I Bring to My Senior Dog’s Wellness Exam?
Show and Tell: Gather any notes, photos, or videos that may help contribute to your discussion. It’s especially helpful if you notice anything off about your dog because not all symptoms may present themselves during the exam.
Check Vaccine Requirements: If you plan to have your pet in daycare or boarding in the coming year,
check the vaccine requirements of your specific facility and communicate these needs at your pet’s exam appointment.
Gather Food Labels: Note the diet your pet is currently on, as well as the amount you are feeding daily. It’s super helpful to take a photo of the ingredient list!
Bring the Stool: Be cool—bring the stool! A twice yearly exam is the perfect time to check your pet’s stool (yes, poop!) for any
intestinal parasites. A marble size amount is sufficient and must be less than 24 hours old. You can bring it in a closed, disposable bag or container.
Pet Insurance Information: Bringing along their pet insurance information allows us to provide accurate cost estimates and process claims more efficiently.
What Is and How Does It Help Me Fit My Dog’s Senior Care into My Budget?
Thrive Plus is our membership offered by many of our primary care veterinarians in neighborhoods across the nation. It’s our way of supporting you in saying yes to the best care for your senior dog, every time. With monthly or annual payments, you get to put your mind at ease and care for your best friend to the max with:
Unlimited Free Exams****
Twice Yearly Senior Exams
Sudden Illness Exams
Chronic Condition Rechecks
10% Off Over 1,000 Services*****
Vaccinations
Diagnostic Tests
Dental Cleanings & Extractions
And More
$5 Basic Nail Trims
Exclusive Member-Only Offers
What Is the CareCredit Credit Card and How Does It Help Me Get the Care My Senior Dog Needs?
CareCredit is a senior dog-loving partner of Thrive Pet Healthcare and the CareCredit credit card is accepted at all our veterinary hospitals. It allows you to spread veterinary care payments over a 6- or 12-month period, so you can focus on your pet’s care today.****** Best part? It works alongside Thrive Plus membership and pet insurance!
Check if you’re preapproved with no impact to your credit score. You can use the CareCredit credit card for a wide range of veterinary services, including primary, specialty, and emergency care. Break up payments for your pet’s care over time and avoid sudden financial setbacks when unexpected care for your senior dog may be needed.
**Subject to credit approval. The information herein is for promotional purposes only and Thrive Pet Healthcare and its subsidiaries/partners/facilities are not responsible for credit decisions made by CareCredit. See the CareCredit website linked above for more information on how to get the care you want or need and pay over time.
***Vaccine requirements and schedules can vary by state and by individual pet needs. Your
veterinarian stays up to date on local regulations and medical guidelines and can recommend the right vaccines and timing for your pet.
****Apply to general practice exams only, and hospital fees may apply.
******No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo purchase before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. For New Accounts as of 5/30/24: Purchase APR 32.99%. Penalty APR 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms.
