Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Senior Wellness Programs

Senior dog wellness programs detect age-related conditions early and support quality of life in older dogs through targeted monitoring and care.

Key Facts

Dogs are considered senior at 7-10 years depending on breed size
Senior dogs benefit from twice-yearly veterinary examinations including bloodwork
Cognitive dysfunction, arthritis, and organ disease are common in older dogs
Nutritional modifications support aging kidneys, joints, and cognitive function
Quality of life assessment tools help owners recognize when their dog's needs are changing

Welfare Considerations

Senior dogs have complex, evolving welfare needs that require proactive management. Regular wellness checks, appropriate nutrition, and quality of life monitoring ensure that older dogs receive the care they need and that deterioration is recognized and addressed compassionately.

What You Can Do

Schedule bi-annual wellness check-ups for dogs over 7 years
Discuss senior-appropriate nutrition with your vet
Learn to use quality of life assessment tools to monitor your senior dog