Seven is roughly when we start thinking about a dog differently. It's not a hard line, and a healthy seven-year-old Lab is not the same as a seven-year-old Great Dane, but it's the age when we recommend shifting to twice-yearly exams and adding a senior bloodwork panel to the routine. Here's why, and what we're actually looking for.
Why twice-yearly exams matter ¶
A year in a senior dog's life is a long time. Conditions like hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and early cancer can develop and progress significantly in twelve months. Seeing a senior dog every six months means we catch changes earlier, when there are more options. It also means we have a more complete picture of what's normal for that specific animal, so we notice when something shifts.
What the senior bloodwork panel checks ¶
We run a full chemistry panel and complete blood count, which looks at kidney and liver function, blood sugar, thyroid levels, red and white blood cell counts, and several other markers. We also check blood pressure, because hypertension is common in older dogs and cats and often goes undetected. Most results come back from our in-house lab before you leave the clinic.
Joint health and mobility ¶
Arthritis is very common in older dogs, and it often looks like slowing down rather than obvious limping. If your dog takes longer to get up in the morning, is reluctant to jump into the car, or seems stiff after rest, those are signs worth discussing. We assess joint health during every senior exam and talk through options ranging from joint supplements to prescription anti-inflammatories to physical therapy referrals.
The quality-of-life conversation ¶
One of the most important things we do with senior pet owners is talk honestly about quality of life, including what to watch for as a dog ages and how to think about the harder decisions that may come. We don't wait until a crisis to have that conversation. If you want to talk through what to expect as your dog gets older, that's a completely reasonable thing to bring up at any visit.
If your dog is approaching seven or you have an older dog you haven't had checked recently, a senior wellness visit is a good place to start. Call us at (+81 3-3731-9577 or email hello@marblepinecross.com to book.