Fostering Graceful and Healthy Aging for Your Dog!
At Markham Woods Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to helping your dog navigate the journey into their senior years with grace and optimal health. Our approach goes beyond addressing issues as they arise; we believe in prioritizing your dog's wellness throughout their life. This involves implementing a comprehensive wellness health care plan and, when your dog reaches around the age of seven, a tailored senior wellness health care plan.
As your dog undergoes natural changes with age, we encourage our clients to actively combat the challenges associated with the aging process.
If you observe any of the following changes in your dog, it's essential to discuss them with one of our veterinarians:
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Reduced activity, difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or overall decreased activity
- Changes in energy level, awareness, and/or family interaction
- Alterations in sleep patterns, such as increased daytime sleep or restlessness at night
- New lumps or bumps on your dog
- Occasional coughing or periods of rapid or difficult breathing
- Changes in eyesight or hearing
- Increased water consumption, urination, or accidents in the house
- Noticeable changes in your dog's breath
Addressing these health changes allows our veterinarians at Markham Woods Animal Hospital to design an individualized senior wellness care plan for your dog. We recommend semi-annual senior wellness exams for aging dogs, as they aid in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions before they escalate, ultimately impacting your dog's quality of life.
A senior wellness exam includes:
- In-depth senior wellness examination, including a dental evaluation
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing, encompassing a senior dog blood profile analysis (blood count and blood chemistry panel), urine and fecal analysis, x-rays, parasite testing, and blood and eye pressure testing
- Canine vaccinations, parasite protection, heartworm testing, and prevention
- Nutrition and diet counseling
- Behavioral evaluation and counseling
We are committed to assisting you in providing the best and most comprehensive senior veterinary care for your aging dog, ensuring they experience the healthiest and happiest quality of life in their "golden years." For any questions about your "senior" dog, feel free to give us a call. We are here to help.