Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog: Senior Wellness Screening

Proactive health screening of senior dogs enables early detection of common age-related conditions before they cause significant welfare harm.

Key Facts

Dogs are considered senior from approximately 7 years old (earlier for giant breeds)
Common senior conditions include arthritis, dental disease, cognitive dysfunction, and organ failure
Six-monthly health checks are recommended for dogs over 7 years by most veterinary bodies
Routine blood panels detect kidney and liver disease before clinical signs appear
Early treatment of arthritis significantly improves quality of life and longevity

Welfare Considerations

Senior dogs stoically mask pain and cognitive decline, meaning owners often miss the early stages of conditions that are causing significant welfare harm. Regular screening enables treatment to begin before disease is advanced, substantially improving quality of life in the later years. The transition from annual to six-monthly checks at senior age is one of the most impactful welfare investments an owner can make.

What You Can Do

Schedule six-monthly health checks for dogs over seven years old
Discuss a senior screening blood panel with your vet
Learn to recognise subtle signs of pain and cognitive change in older dogs
Adjust exercise, diet, and home environment to suit your dog's changing needs
Keep a quality of life diary to track trends in your senior dog's wellbeing