1. Detect Age-Related Illness Early
    Older dogs are more prone to conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, heart problems, and cancer. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.

  2. Monitor Behaviour & Cognitive Changes
    Changes like confusion, restlessness, or house soiling may be signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (doggy dementia) or underlying illness.

  3. Pain Management
    Slowing down, stiffness, or reluctance to jump may be signs of chronic pain that can be effectively managed once identified.

  4. Dental Health
    Dental disease is extremely common in senior dogs and can lead to pain, infection, or even organ damage if untreated.

  5. Weight & Nutrition Checks
    Senior dogs often need different diets. Too much or too little weight can indicate hidden health issues.

  6. Skin & Coat Changes
    Lumps, bumps, dry skin or hair loss may need investigation.

  7. Mobility Support
    Vets can advise on mobility aids, physiotherapy, or medications to help your senior stay active and comfortable.

  8. Update Vaccines & Parasite Control
    Seniors still need protection. Tailored schedules can be created based on lifestyle and immune function.

  9. Twice-Yearly Health Checks
    Conditions can progress quickly in older pets. Regular checkups (every 6 months) help catch issues before they become serious.

Why Your Senior Dog Needs a Vet Visit

Seniors Wellness Bundle

A gentle, proactive check-in designed to support comfort, mobility, and early detection of age-related changes.

Your dog’s bundle may include:

1. Comprehensive senior consultation

  • Full physical exam with a focus on mobility, pain, weight, dental health, skin, and sensory changes

  • Behaviour and lifestyle discussion (sleep, appetite, anxiety, cognitive changes)

  • Medication and supplement review

2. Pain & mobility screening

  • Orthopaedic and muscle assessment

  • Discussion around arthritis, stiffness, and subtle pain signs

  • Home comfort and environmental modification tips

3. Blood and urine screening

  • Early detection of kidney, liver, endocrine, and metabolic changes

  • Hydration and urinary health assessment

  • Baseline monitoring to track changes over time

4. Personalised comfort plan

  • Weight and nutrition guidance

  • Mobility support (supplements, medications, physiotherapy referrals)

  • Dental and grooming considerations for ageing dogs

  • Behaviour and cognitive support strategies

5. Fear Free gentle handling

  • Extra time, low-stress handling, and pace adjustments

  • Optional pre-visit medication discussion if needed

All large breed dogs are considered Seniors from 6 years of age and all medium and small sized breeds are considered Seniors at 8 years of age.

Senior Comfort & Quality of Life Appointment

This appointment is a gentle, unhurried conversation about your dog’s ageing journey, with a focus on comfort, confidence, and everyday quality of life.

It’s ideal if you’ve noticed small changes and are wondering:

  • “Is this just ageing?”

  • “Could my dog be uncomfortable?”

  • “Is there something I could be doing differently at home?”

During this 40-minute visit, you can expect:

Time to talk, without feeling rushed

You’ll have time to talk through:

  • Changes you’ve noticed in behaviour, mood, appetite, or sleep

  • Moments that feel “different” but are hard to explain

  • Concerns you may have been unsure whether to raise

No concern is too small! Subtle changes matter!

Understanding changes related to ageing

Your vet will help explain:

  • How ageing can affect the brain, behaviour, and emotions

  • Why changes in sleep, appetite, confidence, or interaction can occur

  • How pain or discomfort can show up as behaviour change

The goal is clarity, not alarm.

Practical advice you can use at home

You’ll receive guidance on:

  • Simple home adjustments to improve comfort and safety

  • Supporting your dog’s confidence and independence

  • Creating routines that suit an ageing body and mind

  • Helping your dog feel settled, secure, and supported

These are realistic, achievable changes, not overwhelming lists.

A calm, Fear Free approach

Your dog will be handled gently and only as much as they’re comfortable with. The focus is on:

  • Emotional safety

  • Trust

  • Minimising stress

  • Meeting your dog where they’re at

A personalised plan going forward

By the end of the appointment, you’ll have:

  • A clearer understanding of what’s normal, what’s changeable, and what needs monitoring

  • A tailored plan to support comfort and quality of life

  • Guidance on next steps, if any, at a pace that feels right for you and your dog

Palliative Care & End-of-Life Planning Appointment

This appointment is a calm, compassionate space to talk openly about your dog’s changing needs,

with a focus on comfort, dignity, and support.

It’s designed for times when you may be:

  • Managing a chronic or progressive condition

  • Noticing ongoing decline

  • Feeling uncertain about what comes next

  • Wanting to plan ahead, even if you’re not ready to make decisions yet

During this 40-minute visit, you can expect:

Time, space, and understanding

You’ll have time to:

  • Share what you’re seeing day-to-day

  • Talk through concerns, fears, or questions

  • Discuss things at your own pace

There is no rush and no pressure to decide anything before you’re ready.

A gentle focus on your dog’s comfort

Your Veterinarian will help you understand:

  • How your dog is feeling physically and emotionally

  • What they are still enjoying

  • How comfort can be supported now and in the future

Any examination is gentle and guided by your dog’s comfort.

Clear, compassionate guidance

You’ll receive:

  • Honest explanations about what to expect

  • Support in understanding quality-of-life considerations

  • Help navigating decisions in a way that aligns with your values and your dog’s needs

The goal is reassurance and clarity, not urgency.

Support for you, as well as your dog

This appointment recognises how emotionally heavy this stage can be. Your Veterinarian is there to:

  • Listen without judgement

  • Validate your feelings

  • Help you feel supported and informed

A plan you can return to

By the end of the appointment, you’ll leave with:

  • A clearer picture of your dog’s current needs

  • Practical ways to support comfort at home

  • A plan for next steps, whenever you’re ready

SENIORS TIPS #1
As dogs age, they can lose body fat, muscle mass, and circulation efficiency, making it harder for them to stay warm. This means they’re more vulnerable to the cold.
  • Keep them warm by giving them appropriate clothing to wear and appropriate bedding.
SENIORS TIPS #2
An older dog may rise slowly, move stiffly, or stop greeting you with enthusiasm. While some slowing is normal with age, it can also signal underlying pain.
  • Monitor your senior dog’s routine and discuss changes or pain with your vet -medications for arthritis and other conditions can help.
  • Ask about complementary therapies like hydrotherapy, heating pads, or ice.
  • Improve comfort with memory foam beds, non-slip rugs, raised bowls, and more.
  • Use mobility aids like ramps, stairs, or harnesses to support movement.
SENIORS TIPS #3
As dogs age, their brains become less adaptable, making them more prone to stress and slower to recover. Senior dogs may show increased anxiety and unwanted behaviours, like accidents, especially when left alone.
  • Address behaviour issues early; they often worsen if ignored.
  • Seek the guidance of a Veterinarian or an Animal Behaviourist.
SENIORS TIPS #4
Like Alzheimer’s in humans, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction can cause disorientation, house training regression, sleep changes, and altered behaviour, often leading to increased agitation.
  • Report any major behaviour changes to your Vet.
  • Consider senior diets and supplements with Veterinary guidance.
  • Ask about medications like anxiolytics for dogs with dementia.
  • Schedule wellness checks for senior dogs twice a year.