Senior pets should have semi-annual veterinary visits instead of annual visits so signs of illness or other problems can be detected early and treated. Senior pet exams are similar to those for younger pets, but are more in depth, and may include dental care, possible bloodwork, and specific checks for physical signs of diseases that are more likely in older pets.  These visits are particularly important as dogs tend to hide sickness very well and underlying problems could be developing without us knowing. Symptoms don't normally occur until the problem becomes serious.

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Senior pets (all pets) need foods that are more nutritious.  Dogs that have been on a consistent diet that contain little to no nutrients may be at higher risks for poor health.  (foods containing the first few ingredients of corn or any byproducts are to be considered non nutritional. Such as most foods found in grocery stores)

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Overweight dogs (especially seniors) increases the risk of health problems such as 

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Diabetes or insulin resistance

• Liver disease or dysfunction

• Osteoarthritis (lameness)

• Increased surgical/anesthetic risk

• Lowered immune system function

• Increased risk of developing malignant tumors (cancer)

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Older pets' immune systems are not as healthy as those of younger animals; as a result, they can't fight off diseases or heal as fast as younger pets

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Poor dental health:  The toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog's blood stream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage

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