Canine Care

Senior Dog Care


Annual Wellness Exams Keep Dogs Healthy!

Emphasizing Your Dog’s Wellness Care Throughout Their Life Will Significantly Increase Their Lifespan

As your dog ages, normal changes take place and diseases may follow that can often affect their overall health, well-being and comfort. Many conditions, when detected early and treated properly, can be prevented from progressing into more serious and sometimes life threatening illnesses. Our goal is for you and your family dog to enjoy the longest, healthiest life together.

We recommend twice yearly senior wellness exams so together we may monitor your senior dog’s health and detect, diagnose, treat and control any medical conditions before they progress into serious problems that negatively affect your dog’s quality of life.

Senior Canine Care at North Shore Animal Hospital

Our bi-annual comprehensive senior canine wellness exam includes:

  • An in-depth, “nose to tail” examination
  • Dental evaluation
  • Comprehensive diagnostic testing that may include a blood profile (complete blood count, blood chemistry and thyroid test), urine test, fecal analysis, x-rays, and blood pressure testing
  • Vaccinations customized to your dog’s lifestyle
  • Parasite testing and prevention
  • Heartworm testing and prevention
  • Nutrition and diet counseling
  • Behavioral evaluation and counseling

If you notice any of the following symptoms, we recommend you schedule an appointment to discuss them with one of our veterinarians:

  • Weight loss
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Excessive urination
  • Excessive drinking
  • Reduced exercise, reluctance to move, run, jump, etc.
  • Perception of pain when your pet moves or is handled
  • Any vomiting, diarrhea or lack of bowel movements
  • New lumps or bumps
  • Change in dog’s energy level, awareness and/or family interaction
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Occasional cough or periods of rapid or difficult breathing

Click here to see a Life Stages of Dogs Chart

If your senior dog is a new patient, please bring your dog’s previous medical records to your first appointment. This includes vaccination dates and any previous lab work. You can either bring a paper copy or ask your previous veterinarian’s office, rescue organization or breeder to fax or email them to us.

veterinarian-northbrook-il

Hours of Operation

Mon – Fri: 8AM – 5PM

Sat: 8AM – 12PM

Sun: CLOSED