Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Geriatric Health Screening

Dogs over 7 years benefit from enhanced health monitoring. Proactive geriatric screening catches age-related disease early, extending good-quality life and reducing suffering.

Key Facts

Dogs are generally considered senior from 7-8 years depending on breed and size
Large breeds age faster than small breeds and benefit from earlier screening
Six-monthly to annual blood panels are recommended for senior dogs
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome, arthritis, and organ disease are most common conditions
Weight management and dental care are important preventative interventions in older dogs

Welfare Considerations

Geriatric health screening enables early intervention for age-related disease, extending quality of life and reducing suffering in older dogs. The welfare investment in proactive screening consistently provides high returns.

What You Can Do

Schedule bi-annual veterinary health checks for dogs over 7 years
Request age-appropriate blood panels as part of senior health checks
Monitor your older dog's weight, mobility, and behaviour at home
Learn about common age-related conditions and their early warning signs