Keep Those Tails Waggin'
So your dog has now lived past adulthood into senior life, now he might no longer be able to do all things that you both enjoyed in his/her youth. Your loved one enjoys sitting in front of the TV and is happy just to be with you.
Your dog ages about 7 times as fast as humans, with large dogs actually faster, so yearly (or semi annual) wellness examinations are critical. By taking the proper steps now, you will help protect your dog from little problems escalating into large undetected problems in their senior years.
Your dog ages about 7 times as fast as humans, with large dogs actually faster, so yearly (or semi annual) wellness examinations are critical. By taking the proper steps now, you will help protect your dog from little problems escalating into large undetected problems in their senior years.
Wolf Pack Mentality
Just like humans, pets can have days when they feel a little lethargic and under the weather, but it is natural instinct for your dog to try and disguise any signs of illness. They do this in the wild as showing any signs of weakness leaves them vulnerable to predators, even their own pack, and open to attack. Unfortunately this can make it difficult to determine if they are feeling unwell or are suffering from a more serious illness.
Canine Wellness Examination
Typically, your pet should have a comprehensive physical exam by a veterinarian. If you are a new client, please bring any documentation, including shot records with you. All clients, if possible, should try to bring a recent stool sample for your appointment.
Please inform the staff of any concerns or health issues that may have arisen since your last appointment. By communicating these changes to our team, the veterinarian will be able to examine these issues more closely and identify their underlying causes.
You loved one will be comprehensively examined by our veterinarians from nose to tail to check for any health issues. Typical the veterinarian will:
The staff will conduct fecal and blood tests in order to ensure that your dog is free of internal parasites, including heartworms. The blood tests will also check the function of your pet's internal organs.
Additionally, our staff will take this opportunity to discuss parasitic prevention, such as fleas, ticks and heartworms. Due to the climate in the San Diego area, these preventatives are required year round.
Please inform the staff of any concerns or health issues that may have arisen since your last appointment. By communicating these changes to our team, the veterinarian will be able to examine these issues more closely and identify their underlying causes.
You loved one will be comprehensively examined by our veterinarians from nose to tail to check for any health issues. Typical the veterinarian will:
- Check the central nervous center.
- Check and clean the ears, treating if required.
- Check joints and mobility.
- Check skin and condition of the coat.
- Check urinary and reproductive systems.
- Conduct a dental examination.
- Conduct an eye examination.
- Listen to the heart and lungs for abnormalities.
- Observe for alertness and response.
- Palpate the abdomen, checking for painful areas, growths or tumors.
- Physically check the body for unusual lumps.
- Monitor the weight of your dog.
The staff will conduct fecal and blood tests in order to ensure that your dog is free of internal parasites, including heartworms. The blood tests will also check the function of your pet's internal organs.
Additionally, our staff will take this opportunity to discuss parasitic prevention, such as fleas, ticks and heartworms. Due to the climate in the San Diego area, these preventatives are required year round.
Pet Care Counseling
Our veterinarians can assist you in any questions about pet food, house training, grooming, obedience training, pet toys, or any other topic that concerns you about your senior dog.
Vaccinations
At Imperial Beach Pet Hospital, the veterinarians recommend a vaccination protocol for dogs based on their lifestyle. The staff will review the changes your pet's lifestyle and help you determine the appropriate protocol. In California it is the law that all canines, over 6 months old, be vaccinated against rabies.
Spay or Neutering
Our veterinarians at Imperial Beach Pet Hospital recommend that all dogs be spayed or neutered between 4 to 6 months of age. As a senior the veterinarians at Imperial Beach Pet Hospital do not recommend spaying or neutering your dog unless medically necessary.
Microchipping
The best way to ensure your loved one finds their way home is to microchip. This provides a permanent identification that Animal Shelters and Veterinarians routinely check when a lost pet is brought to them.
