2239 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
Understanding the Needs of Aging Dogs
As your dog ages, their needs change, and it's essential to adapt their care. At Parker Animal Care, we offer specialized wellness plans tailored to support your senior dog’s health, mobility, and comfort throughout their golden years.
Large breed dogs may show signs of aging as early as seven years old, while smaller dogs typically start their senior years around nine. From routine screenings and joint support to dietary adjustments and pain management, our goal is to keep your senior dog active, comfortable, and healthy.
We Got You, Austin — with age-appropriate care you can trust.
Caring for Your Senior Dog
Supportive, Preventive Care for Dogs in Their Golden Years
As dogs age, they become more prone to conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, dental issues, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Regular wellness visits are essential for senior dogs to manage these conditions early and maintain their quality of life. We often recommend exams more frequently than once a year for aging dogs.
Early detection is key to addressing health problems before they become severe. Routine screenings help us identify potential issues early, often before symptoms are noticeable at home.
What to Expect From a Senior Dog Wellness Visit:
We may suggest a Senior Wellness Profile to evaluate your dog’s internal health and spot early signs of illness:
- Full Panel Bloodwork: Detects issues like diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, and more.
- Thyroid Testing: Identifies hormonal imbalances that could mimic aging-related behavior changes.
- Heartworm Testing: Performed annually, even if your dog is on prevention — rare breakthrough cases can still occur.
- Urinalysis: Checks hydration levels, kidney function, and detects hidden issues like infections.
- X-Rays: It allows us to assess bone health and joint changes, looking for signs of arthritis or cancer.
If you notice any sudden changes in your senior dog’s behavior, don't hesitate to reach out. Healthy habits such as exercise, regular check-ups, and proper nutrition can help your dog enjoy their twilight years to the fullest.
Getting Ahead of & Managing Pain
Osteoarthritis and chronic pain are common in aging dogs, but the signs can sometimes be subtle. What may seem like "slowing down" could actually be a sign that your dog is in discomfort.
Pain in senior dogs often goes undiagnosed, but with proactive screenings, tailored treatments, and proven pain management strategies, we can help your dog stay comfortable, mobile, and active for as long as possible.
Learn more about how we can support your aging dog in their golden years with the best care possible.
