Senior Canines: 10+ Years of Age
Wellness/Preventative Care
- BI-ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
◦A thorough physical exam is recommended every 6 months since changes associated with aging and disease progression in a senior dog can occur within a relatively short period of time. Early disease detection allows earlier intervention and therefore better treatment success
- VACCINATIONS
◦Rabies: Given every 3 years after the first year
◦DA2PP (Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus): Given every 3 years after the first year
◦Lyme: Given annually
◦Leptospirosis: Given annually
◦Bordetella: an annual vaccine given as needed for boarding, grooming, or day care
- TESTING
◦Heartworm/4DX- tested annually for heartworm disease, Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
◦Blood work/other lab work as needed or recommended by your dog's veterinarian
- FECAL TEST
◦Recommended annually to screen for intestinal parasites
- DEWORMING
◦Your dog's monthly heartworm prevention is also a monthly dewormer for round worms and hook worms
◦Other types of parasites, including tapeworms, must be treated with a different drug which can be prescribed by your veterinarian if needed
- FLEA, TICK, AND HEARTWORM PREVENTION
◦Apply or administer a monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention to your dog once a month, every month, for life
- DENTAL CARE
◦Brush your dog's teeth as often as possible (once a day is preferable) to help reduce dental problems, which can lead to further health complications. Bring your dog in for help/tips if needed, we are always more than happy to help you if you are having any difficulties
◦VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved treats, in addition to daily brushing, are a great supplement to help reduce tartar build up
◦Schedule dental cleanings as recommended by your dog's veterinarian
Senior Canines: 10+ Years of Age
Wellness/Preventative Care
- DIET/FITNESS
◦The amount of food your dog should consume each day varies based on their age, weight, body condition, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food your dog should be consuming on a daily basis
◦Dogs that are at a lean and healthy weight live, on average, 2 years longer than those who are overweight
◦Regular, purposeful exercise is crucial to your dogs overall health and well-being
◦As your dog ages, arthritis may begin to set in. Again, keeping him at a lean and healthy weight are crucial to his well-being. Dogs carrying excess weight have more difficulties with arthritis than those who do not
◦Swimming is a great exercise, especially for those with arthritis, as it is no-impact way to get muscles and joints moving and blood circulating
- INSURANCE/IDENTIFICATION
◦There are several insurance companies available to pet owners. Accidents happen, and sometimes they are extremely expensive. We see pet owners having to make life or death decisions based on financial reasons all too often, and the easiest/most affordable way to avoid this conflict is pet insurance. We have a couple companies that we do recommend and we would love to give you more information if this is something you are interested in! On average, having insurance for your companion will run you around $20 a month
◦Having your dog microchipped is an inexpensive way to help your friend find his way home should he go missing. It is not a GPS, but does help several pets find their way way back to their families. If your dog is already microchipped, be sure to keep your information up to date with the company so that you can be reached if your dog is found
◦Keep a collar on your dog with a name tag, including your contact information as well
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PREFERRED 24/7EMERGENCY CLINIC
The Veterinary Emergency, Critical Care & Cancer Treatment Center of NH (VECC):
Portsmouth, NH 603-431-3600
OTHER 24/7 EMERGENCY CLINIC CONTACTS
Port City Veterinary Referral: Portsmouth, NH at 603-433-0056
Brentwood Emergency & Surgery: Brentwood, NH at 603-642-9111
Winnipeasukee Veterinary Emergency: Meredith, NH at 603-279-1117
Southern NH Veterinary Referral Hospital: Manchester, NH at 603-782-8181