Senior Dogs
We love to see senior dogs!
Once they turn 7 years old, dogs are considered seniors and at this age they require a little more care than their younger counterparts.
The Vets on Balwyn team is here to support healthy ageing for a longer, happier life for your pet
As pets grow older, subtle changes can occur long before any symptoms become noticeable. Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is designed to uncover these changes early, allowing us to take proactive steps to support your pet’s health and wellbeing.
Why is senior wellness screening important?
Many pets show very subtle signs when something isn’t quite right. Changes such as reduced activity, increased sleeping, or a change in appetite can be easy to overlook, but they may indicate underlying health conditions, including:
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Endocrine (hormonal) conditions
- Dental disease
- Cognitive decline
Detecting these changes early allows us to provide more effective treatment and support your pet’s long-term wellbeing.
What does the assessment include?
Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is designed specifically for pets entering their senior years. It provides a more detailed picture of your pet’s health than a routine consultation, helping us identify subtle changes before they become more significant concerns.
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Weight, body condition and muscle condition scoring
- Mobility and joint health assessment
- Discussion of appetite, behaviour and lifestyle changes
- Personalised health recommendations
Your assessment also includes:
- Comprehensive blood testing
- Urine analysis
- Blood pressure measurement
Together, these tests help us detect underlying health changes early, often before obvious symptoms develop.
If the assessment uncovers any changes that warrant further attention, we’ll provide clear guidance on what they may mean for your pet and discuss any recommended follow-up testing or treatment. Any additional diagnostics are entirely optional and will be discussed and quoted beforehand.
When should my pet have a Healthy Ageing Assessment?
As a guide:
- Dogs: From 7 years of age (5 years for giant breeds over 40kg)
- Cats: From 8 years of age
The Healthy Ageing Assessment bundle is available once every 12 months for eligible pets.
Growing older together
Your pet is an important member of the family, and we’re committed to helping them enjoy every stage of life. The Vets on Balwyn team combines compassionate care with practical advice to help you feel supported and informed throughout your pet’s ageing journey.
Supporting your pet through healthy ageing
If your pet is getting older, now is the perfect time to take a proactive approach to their health. We’re here to help every step of the way.
$349 (valued at over $490)
INCLUDES:
- Comprehensive Wellness Examination
- Blood and Urine Testing
- Blood Pressure Measurement
You may notice your senior dog ‘slowing down’ as well as some changes in their behaviour. This is completely normal for older pets but in some cases, it can also indicate a health problem.
Vets on Balwyn recommend bringing your senior dog in for a check-up once every six months, as older dogs are prone to developing illnesses and age related health conditions, which can deteriorate quickly if left untreated. On this page, we describe some of the most common health conditions affecting senior dogs.
Dental Disease
The dental health of dogs tends to deteriorate as they grow older. Owners often assume that if their dog is still eating, their teeth must be fine. However, what usually happens is that the dog learns how to eat in a way that doesn’t hurt their teeth or simply bears the pain.
Chronic health conditions
There are a number of age related ‘silent killer’ diseases including diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and tumours which are often asymptomatic until they are in their advanced stages. Annual blood tests for dogs over 7 years are a fast, simple and accurate way to screen for these conditions and diagnose them early.
Arthritis
Just like senior humans, senior dogs can suffer from joint pains. Arthritis is a painful and debilitating disease but it can be well-managed through medication and a few lifestyle changes. Signs that your senior dog may be arthritic include a slowed walking pace, stiffness when getting up and lowered activity levels.
Lumps and bumps
Most senior dogs develop a few lumps and bumps as they get older and most of these will be benign. However, we still recommend getting skin tumours checked by your vet to ensure they are not cancerous. Cancerous lumps can grow very quickly and can have a significant impact on your dog’s quality of life.
Need an appointment?
When your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets on Balwyn!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Sunday: Closed
