Senior dog
Your dog’s preventive care checklist: questions for your vet
General information, not veterinary advice. It does not replace an exam: your vet knows your pet.
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Suggested timing: within about 2 weeks
Ask your vet: How often should my dog come in now, and what does a senior screening include?
Suggested timing: within about a month
Ask your vet: Which boosters still make sense for my dog at this age?
Suggested timing: within about 6 weeks
Ask your vet: Is a dental cleaning due for my dog, and what does it involve?
Questions for the visit
Senior pets
Good to know
- Pets are often “senior” around 7 (sooner for giant breeds) and benefit from twice-yearly checkups.
- Watch for changes in weight, thirst, appetite, mobility or behaviour — early detection helps.
Routine checkups
Good to know
- An annual wellness exam (twice yearly for seniors) catches problems early, before they’re costly or serious.
- Keep vaccines, parasite prevention and dental care on schedule.
Dental care
Good to know
- Dental disease is one of the most common pet health problems and can affect the heart, liver and kidneys.
- Brush with pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and offer vet-approved dental chews.
- Bad breath, red gums or trouble eating warrant a dental check.
Nutrition & weight
Good to know
- Feed a complete, life-stage diet (puppy/kitten, adult, senior) and measure portions.
- Over half of North American pets are overweight — extra weight strains joints and shortens lifespan.
- You should feel (not see) the ribs and see a waist from above. Ask your vet for a body-condition score.
Vaccines
Good to know
- Core vaccines protect against serious, common diseases — dogs: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus.
- Puppies and kittens need a booster series; adults get periodic boosters. Your vet sets the schedule by age, lifestyle and local risk.
Parasite prevention
Good to know
- Year-round flea & tick prevention is recommended in most of Canada — ticks can be active even in cooler months.
- Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes; ask your vet about seasonal prevention and testing.
- Regular deworming protects against intestinal parasites — some can affect people too.
Checklist version 2026.10.2 · October 3, 2026 · wanloo.ca/pet-care