As dogs age, their health can change quickly. A senior dog wellness exam is a more detailed checkup designed to catch age-related problems early, such as arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, dental disease, tumours and cognitive decline. Most vets recommend senior exams every six months.
This guide is part of our pet health checkup guide.
When is a dog a senior?
Larger dogs age faster. As a rough guide, giant breeds may be considered senior from around 5 to 6 years, large breeds from 7 to 8, medium breeds from 8 to 10, and small breeds from 10 to 12. Your vet will consider your individual dog. See how often dogs should go to the vet for the full schedule.
What a senior exam adds
| Check or test | What it can find |
|---|---|
| Detailed physical exam | Lumps, heart murmurs, enlarged organs, dental disease |
| Weight and muscle condition score | Muscle loss, often an early sign of illness or arthritis |
| Joint and mobility assessment | Arthritis and pain |
| Complete blood count and biochemistry | Anaemia, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection |
| Thyroid test | Hypothyroidism |
| Urinalysis | Kidney disease, urinary infection, diabetes |
| Blood pressure | Hypertension |
| Eye exam | Cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye |
| Cognitive questions | Signs of canine cognitive dysfunction |
| Imaging if needed | X-rays or ultrasound for masses, heart or organ changes |
Signs of ageing to report to your vet
- Slower to rise, stiffness, reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Drinking or urinating more, or accidents in the house
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Bad breath, dropping food or chewing on one side
- Coughing, tiring quickly, or faster breathing at rest
- New lumps or lumps that grow
- Confusion, night-time restlessness, getting stuck in corners, changes in sleep
- Reduced hearing or vision
Why six-monthly visits?
Dogs age faster than people. For a senior dog, six months can bring significant changes. Twice-yearly exams make it more likely that conditions like kidney disease and heart disease are found before symptoms are severe, when treatment and diet changes have more impact.
Keeping senior dogs comfortable
- Keep your dog lean to reduce joint strain.
- Use non-slip rugs and ramps where needed.
- Ask your vet about pain relief for arthritis; never give human painkillers, several of which are toxic to dogs.
- Maintain gentle daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Keep up dental care. See our dog dental care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is anaesthesia safe for older dogs?
Age alone is not a disease. With pre-anaesthetic blood tests, tailored drugs and careful monitoring, many senior dogs safely undergo dental cleaning and surgery. See our veterinary anaesthesia guide.
Do senior dogs still need vaccines?
Usually yes, though your vet may tailor the schedule to your dog’s health and risk.
Related guides
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
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