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Once your dog reaches eight, life shifts in quiet, beautiful ways. They might not chase the ball as fast or bark as much at every sound, but the years have given them something far better: wisdom, patience, and a deep understanding of you. Senior dogs don’t need constant excitement. They need care, consistency, and a little extra love. Here’s what you should do every year to keep your best friend healthy and happy through their golden years.
1. Schedule a Senior Wellness Exam
After age eight, a once-a-year vet visit isn’t enough for most dogs. Ask your vet if twice-yearly checkups make sense. Early detection is everything when it comes to heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. A simple blood test or physical exam can catch what your dog can’t tell you.
2. Run Full Blood and Urine Panels
Senior dogs benefit from baseline tests that track organ function over time. These panels can flag kidney or liver issues before symptoms appear. Think of it as checking the “engine light” before there’s a problem.
3. Review Their Diet and Weight
Your dog’s metabolism slows down as they age. A diet that worked at five might not work at eight or ten. Talk to your vet about senior dog food or supplements for joint and immune health. A healthy weight adds years to their life and life to their years.
4. Get Their Teeth Checked (and Cleaned)
Dental disease can sneak up on older dogs. Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant; it’s often a sign of infection that can spread to the heart or kidneys. Professional cleanings and daily brushing (yes, it’s possible!) keep your pup’s mouth pain-free.
5. Revisit Vaccines and Parasite Prevention
Immunity changes with age, so some vaccines might need updating, while others can be spaced out. Your vet can tailor a prevention plan that keeps your senior safe without unnecessary treatments.
6. Do a Home Safety Check
Senior dogs see and move differently. Check for slippery floors, steep stairs, or furniture that’s hard to navigate. Small changes like a ramp or rug can make your dog’s world much easier to explore.
7. Reevaluate Exercise Needs
Older dogs still need activity, just in gentler forms. Daily walks, swimming, or light play keep joints flexible and minds sharp. The goal isn’t exhaustion; it’s engagement. Pay attention to signs of fatigue or discomfort.
8. Monitor Behavior and Mood Changes
Confusion, anxiety, or restlessness might point to cognitive decline or pain. Keep a journal if you notice changes. Dogs communicate through behavior long before symptoms show up in tests.
9. Check Vision and Hearing
You might notice your dog doesn’t come when called or hesitates in dim light. A quick exam can rule out cataracts, ear infections, or hearing loss. Knowing what’s changing helps you adjust how you communicate.
10. Refresh Their Comfort Zone
Upgrade their bed to something orthopedic. Adjust feeding times if digestion changes. Add extra water bowls around the house. These small comforts remind your senior dog that you’re paying attention to what they need now.
11. Make Time for Memory-Making
You’ll never regret taking more photos, slower walks, or extra naps together. Senior years are quiet but deeply meaningful. Celebrate them. Do something special every year: a trip, a treat, a new toy. Because every extra year is a gift.
Aging isn’t a loss; it’s a shift. Your dog might not need to run full speed anymore, but they still want to live fully. With steady care, yearly check-ins, and an open heart, those golden years can truly shine.