Andrews Veterinary has established a vaccination protocol to properly protect
your senior dog from preventable diseases. Senior dogs should have health
check-ups twice a year. As some dogs age they may be medicated for certain
aliments, just like humans.   It is recommended blood test should be preformed
to make sure the body is responding properly to their prescribed medications.  
In addition, vaccinations, fecal and heartworm tests, and dental check-ups  
should also be preformed during this exam;

Senior Dog Vaccination # 9  (9 Years of Age)

Bordetella Booster

Adult dogs more than 10 lbs. & are considered to be an indoor/outdoor
dog, should be vaccinated for Leptospira.

We recommend dogs that are active outdoors should be vaccinated for
Lyme Disease.

Senior Dog Vaccination # 10  (10 Years of Age)

Rabies 3 year. We recommend a Rabies 3 year vaccination unless this is
the first year your dog has been vaccinated.  This vaccination will be valid
for 3 years.

Adult dogs more than 10 lbs. & are considered to be an indoor/outdoor
dog, should be vaccinated for Leptospira.

We recommend dogs that are active outdoors should be vaccinated for
Lyme Disease.

Senior Dog Vaccination # 11  (11 Years of Age)

3 year Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, & Parvo combo
shot.    This vaccination will be valid for 3 years  unless this is the 1 st year
your dog has been vaccinated.

Adult dogs more than 10 lbs. & are considered to be an indoor/outdoor
dog, should be vaccinated for Leptospira.

We recommend dogs that are active outdoors should be vaccinated for
Lyme Disease.

Senior Dog Vaccination # 12 -14 (12 -14 Years of Age). The vaccination
protocol will repeat starting from Senior Dog Vaccination # 9.
Senior Dogs
Andrews Veterinary Hospital
1575 Main Street  
Andrews, North Carolina  28901
828.321.3316
Fax:  828.321.2298
info@andrewsveterinaryhospital.com
Deworming Schedule
We recommend your dog should be tested for parasites yearly and or
dewormed every 6 months. You may see no signs of a parasite infestation.   
Nail Trimming
To keep your dogs paws healthy continue to trim their nails.  Trimming their
nails on a regular basis makes the procedure less stressful and it becomes a
routine rather than a bad experience or a fearful situation.  Letting their nails
grow too long makes walking uncomfortable and the quicks of the nail too
long.  This is especially the case for senior dogs.  As your dog gets older they
become less active and the natural wearing of their nails may not happen.  You
may need to trim them more frequently than when your dog was younger.  If
the quicks become too long the likelihood of drawing blood when trimming is
greater.  Once the quicks get too long, the nails can only be trimmed back so
far without hurting your dog.
Massage
To keep your dogs joints loose and comfortable it is a good idea to rub and
massage your dogs limbs.  Just like in humans, older dogs get aches and pains
in their joints.  A good routine would be to do this after exercise or before
bed when you and your dog are relaxed.  Your dog would greatly appreciate
it.
Exercise
It is important to provide exercise for your senior dog.  Your dog may not have
the stamina it did when he or she was a pup, however they still need exercise.
Weight becomes an issue as your dog ages.  Exercise will help your maintain a
good weight.  You can still do the same activities with your dog just in shorter
durations.
It is a good idea to clean your dogs ears at least once a month.  One of the most
common office visits for dogs is ear problems.  Using an approved veterinary  
ear cleaner will help keep their ears from getting infections and wax build up.  
Ear Cleaning
As your dog becomes older, keeping on eye on their teeth is important.  Look at
their gums and  see if they appear red or sore.  Also look at the amount of tartar
and decay on their teeth especially the molars.  If your dog has poor teeth their
eating habits may change and other health problems can develop.  We
recommend you have your dog's teeth checked and if needed, be cleaned.
Teeth