Senior Dog Health Check

When is my dog considered a senior?

As a general rule, dogs over the age of seven to eight are considered to be senior. On average, dogs age seven times faster than humans, meaning by the time your canine companion is nine years old, their organs, joints and metabolism are comparative to a 63-year-old human. That’s almost retirement age!

Signs that your dog is aging

• mobility issues
• hearing loss
• vision problems
• bad breath, and other gum and dental diseases
• increased and/or strained urination
• lumps, bumps and other skin problems
• gaining or losing weight
• increased sleeping
• behaviour changes
• inappropriate barking
• memory problems
• skin and coat changes
• increased sensitivity to temperature changes

These changes may be linked to:

• Arthritis and chronic pain
• Kidney or liver disease
• Heart disease
• Hormonal disorders
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Cancer

Many of these conditions require blood testing and clinical assessment to diagnose accurately.

If you notice that your faithful friend is displaying any of the above signs, please book an appointment with your local Greencross Vets who can help you to develop a care plan so you can meet your senior dog’s changing health care needs.

Why senior dogs need regular wellness checks

Pets age faster than humans. Once they reach their senior years, even small health changes can represent significant internal shifts.  Changes in behaviour, physical changes and reduced mobility are common.

Senior wellness checks are important because:

• Dogs instinctively hide pain and illness
• Many age-related diseases develop before visible symptoms
• Early detection improves treatment outcomes
• Preventative care can slow disease progression
• Regular monitoring provides year-to-year health comparisons

Routine health checks allow your vet to identify issues early — often before your pet appears unwell — enabling earlier intervention and better long-term comfort.

Problems faced by aging dogs

Senior pets need a little bit of extra care, but we think their years of unconditional love make them so worth it!

Continuing with their vaccination schedule, parasite prevention program, grooming, and more are all still important in your senior pet’s healthcare. However, senior dogs have other needs that are different to those of adult dogs and puppies.

Dietary requirements

As your dog gets older their metabolism changes, meaning they will have different nutritional needs. Your dog’s muscle mass and organ function will decrease, and so a diet that is higher in carbohydrates, lower in protein and that has a high digestible quality is best for your senior sidekick. Your vet can recommend the best diet for your dog’s unique needs.

Modified exercise regime

Regular moderate exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and keep your senior pet’s joints mobile. They may not be as quick at fetch, but taking them on a suitably-paced walk or jog will keep them happy, healthy, and fighting fit. Greencross Vets are able to provide your senior dog with a personalised exercise plan to maintain their wellbeing.

Closer monitoring of skin and lumps

Keeping a keen eye on your senior pet for any lumps and bumps will ensure that possible cancers or tumours are treated as swiftly as possible. Cancer is more prevalent in aging dogs, so ensure you monitor any changes in your pet and take them in for a checkup if you notice anything unusual. Any lump should be seen by your local Greencross Vets.

Improved dental care

As pets age, their dental health can deteriorate. Special dental diets, teeth brushing, and dental treats are all great ways to prevent dental disease. However, if you do notice any changes in your pet’s teeth, gums, or breath as they get older, bring it up with your Greencross Vet. Regular dental health checks by your vet will catch anything you may have missed.

Why Wellness Blood Tests Are Essential for Senior Dogs

A senior dog wellness blood test provides valuable insight into organ function and overall health — often before symptoms are visible.

Blood screening can help detect:

• Kidney and liver disease
• Hormonal imbalances
• Inflammation or infection
• Early organ dysfunction
• Changes that may indicate cancer

Regular testing allows your vet to track changes over time, adjust treatment plans early, and improve long-term outcomes.

Senior Wellness Package: Proactive Care for Ageing Dogs

To support early detection and preventative care, we offer a Seniors Dogs Wellness Package tailored specifically for senior dogs.

Senior Wellness Package Includes

• Nurse Assessment: Temperature, pulse and respiration rate, diet discussion and checking coat and nails 
• Veterinary Consultation: Comprehensive physical examination
• Wellness Blood Screen: Early detection of internal disease

Valued at $349 — now only $249 💚 Save $100

Optional add-on: 

Cancer Dx brings early cancer detection into wellness care.  Add on the Lymphoma Cancer DX screening for just an additional $43.50

This package is designed to provide reassurance, early diagnosis and proactive support — before small changes become bigger problems.

Book a Senior Dog Wellness Check Today

Early detection saves lives — and helps ensure your dog enjoys more good days for years to come.

Book and attend a wellness check appointment by 31 May 2026. 

Quote code SNRDOG100 at the time of your appointment. 

Early detection saves lives — and helps ensure your dog thrives in their senior years. 

Book an Appointment