Veterinary care for older dogs:-
The healthier we can keep a dog when he is young, the more likely he will be healthy as he grows older. His vaccinations, deworming, nutrition, dental care and parasite control will have a direct effect on his current health.
1. Physical examination – Older dogs should be checked thoroughly and regularly at least twice a year. You must tell your veterinarian about any conditions you have observed and evaluated. You can ask your veterinarian during an examination if you have any queries.
Physical examination should include following:-
a. Oral and dental examination – It should include an examination of mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and throat.
b. Ophthalmic exam – Routine procedure may include eye examination for any initial signs of cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye.
c. Rectal exam – It is an important part of a physical examination for a dog. Vet will examine the inner pelvic area, lymph nodes, prostate gland and urinary system parts.
d. Hair and coat – Your vet will check for the skin, coat and hair condition.
e. Parasites – it should include an examination of the skin and ears for any sign of external parasites. A fecal examination should be done to find out any internal parasite, if present.
f. Vaccinations – It is important to keep your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations as the older dogs have less immunity towards infectious diseases.
g. Blood test – The blood should be tested for hemogram, liver function test, kidney function test, etc.
h. Blood Bio-chemistry – These tests will include the evaluation of various chemicals, enzymes, proteins, hormones and different electrolytes.
i. Radiographs – the chest and abdomen radiographs are useful to find out any signs of disease.
j. Diagnostic tests – Different diagnostic tests like endoscopy, ultrasound and electro surgery can be used to diagnose any heath problem.
k. Pain management – Pain killers can be used in older dogs to make them comfortable.
The healthier we can keep a dog when he is young, the more likely he will be healthy as he grows older. His vaccinations, deworming, nutrition, dental care and parasite control will have a direct effect on his current health.
1. Physical examination – Older dogs should be checked thoroughly and regularly at least twice a year. You must tell your veterinarian about any conditions you have observed and evaluated. You can ask your veterinarian during an examination if you have any queries.
Physical examination should include following:-
a. Oral and dental examination – It should include an examination of mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and throat.
b. Ophthalmic exam – Routine procedure may include eye examination for any initial signs of cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye.
c. Rectal exam – It is an important part of a physical examination for a dog. Vet will examine the inner pelvic area, lymph nodes, prostate gland and urinary system parts.
d. Hair and coat – Your vet will check for the skin, coat and hair condition.
e. Parasites – it should include an examination of the skin and ears for any sign of external parasites. A fecal examination should be done to find out any internal parasite, if present.
f. Vaccinations – It is important to keep your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations as the older dogs have less immunity towards infectious diseases.
g. Blood test – The blood should be tested for hemogram, liver function test, kidney function test, etc.
h. Blood Bio-chemistry – These tests will include the evaluation of various chemicals, enzymes, proteins, hormones and different electrolytes.
i. Radiographs – the chest and abdomen radiographs are useful to find out any signs of disease.
j. Diagnostic tests – Different diagnostic tests like endoscopy, ultrasound and electro surgery can be used to diagnose any heath problem.
k. Pain management – Pain killers can be used in older dogs to make them comfortable.
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