DOG
SENIOR CARE
As our canine companions grow older, they begin to require more specialized care. Senior dogs, typically considered as such around the age of 7, face a variety of age-related changes and challenges. At Vet At Your Door, we specialize in providing compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of senior dogs, right in the comfort of your home. Our Fear Free certified approach ensures that your dog receives gentle, stress-free care, helping to maintain a high quality of life throughout their golden years.
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How can I keep my aging dog healthy?
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Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: We provide stress-free, in-home check-ups, which are vital for monitoring your senior cat's health. Our visits can include comprehensive exams, blood work, and pain management evaluation tailored to your dog's needs in the comfort of your home.
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Nutrition: During our home visits, we can assess your dog's dietary needs and advise on the best senior-specific dog food. We can also suggest dietary adjustments for any health conditions your dog may have.
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Hydration and Diet Management: We understand the importance of hydration in senior dog. During our visits, we can guide you on how to incorporate wet food into their diet and ensure they are adequately hydrated.
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Exercise Recommendations: We can evaluate your dog's physical condition during home visits and recommend suitable exercises. This is particularly important for maintaining joint health and managing arthritis.
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Joint Care: Our in-home services include advising on and prescribing necessary supplements or medications for joint health. We can directly observe your dog's mobility and suggest tailored solutions.
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Dental Care: Regular dental care is crucial for senior dogs. We perform dental checkups at home and will refer you to one of our partner hospitals if a dental cleaning is deemed necessary, and can instruct you on establishing an effective dental care routine.
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Grooming Assistance: We can observe your dog's grooming habits during our visits and provide advice on tools and techniques that might be helpful, especially for dogs that struggle with self-grooming due to age.
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Adapting to Sensory Changes: We can help you identify signs of sensory changes like vision or hearing loss and offer practical advice on making your home safer and more navigable for your dog.
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Mental Health and Routine: We can help you understand and cater to the emotional needs of your aging dog, offering advice on maintaining routines and providing emotional support.
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Environment Adaptation: During our visits, we can help you identify and implement changes in your home environment to make it more senior-dog friendly, such as adjusting the placement of rugs, food, and water bowls.
With Vet At Your Door, you get personalized veterinary care right at your doorstep, ensuring your senior dog's health and comfort are managed with the utmost care and convenience. Reach out to make an appointment.
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Here are some common questions about senior care for dogs:
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How should I adjust my senior dog’s diet?
Senior dogs have changing dietary needs. It's essential to monitor their weight, eating habits, and digestive health. At Vet At Your Door, we can guide you on the best diet for your aging dog and offer advice on meal portion sizes and frequency, ensuring they get the nutrition they need at home.
Does my senior dog need supplements?
Supplements can benefit senior dogs, particularly those for joint health, brain function, and digestion. Our team can recommend specific supplements suited to your dog’s health needs, ensuring they receive well-rounded care at home.
What vaccinations do senior dogs need?
Senior dogs may need specific vaccinations based on their health and lifestyle. We can provide tailored vaccine recommendations and administer them during our home visits for your convenience and your dog's comfort.
How often should I bring my senior dog in for veterinary appointments?
Regular check-ups, ideally twice a year, are crucial for monitoring your senior dog's health. Our at-home veterinary services make these check-ups easy, reducing the stress of travel for your senior pet.
Should I change our teeth cleaning schedule?
Good dental health is vital for senior dogs. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are key. We offer in-home dental assessments and guidance on maintaining your dog’s oral health.
Are there any changes I should make to my home environment for my senior dog?
Consider non-slip mats, ramps, and comfortable sleeping areas for your aging dog. We can provide personalized advice on making your home more senior-dog friendly during our visits.
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How can I tell if lumps or bumps on my dog are a concern?
Older dogs often develop lumps, which should be checked to determine if they are benign or serious. Our veterinarians can examine any concerning lumps during house calls and recommend further action if needed.
What should I do if I notice changes in my dog’s vision?
Vision loss can be a normal part of aging, but it's important to have your dog's eyes checked. We provide in-home eye exams to assess your senior dog's vision and offer guidance on managing any vision loss.
Are behavioral changes normal in senior dogs?
Changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety or confusion, can occur in senior dogs. Our team can evaluate these changes during house calls and offer solutions to help manage them.
What kind of exercise is appropriate for my senior dog?
Senior dogs still need exercise, but it should be adjusted to their comfort level. We can suggest appropriate exercises and activities during our visits to keep your senior dog active and healthy.
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Caring for a senior dog involves understanding and adapting to their changing needs. At Vet At Your Door, we're here to support you and your furry companion every step of the way. From in-home health assessments to personalized care plans, we ensure your senior dog receives the best possible care in the comfort of your home. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (207) 536-8387, email info@vetatyourdoor.com, or fill out our online form. Let us help your senior dog enjoy their golden years in comfort and health.