Senior Dog Care & Health Resources

Explore senior dog veterinary care tips. Learn how to manage their behavior changes and health needs such as dental, joint, and end-of-life support. 
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Complete Guide to Caring for Your Senior Pet

Preventive Care Diagnosis

Senior wellness testing: Early detection means earlier treatment

Pets are good at hiding pain and signs of disease. Because our pets age much faster than we do, if a health issue arises, it can progress rather quickly—and if your pet has been hiding signs, the disease may have progressed quite far before you realize there’s a problem.

Locate a nearby hospital and schedule your appointment
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Unlimited Exams* with CareClub® Starting at Just $19.99/Month
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Could joint pain be
slowing your dog down?

Ask us if Librela™, a monthly injection,
is right for your dog.

Learn About Osteoarthritis

Help Your Senior Dog Feel Their Best

All Dog Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition Preventive Care & Wellness

Feeding Senior Dogs

Senior dogs should be assessed by a veterinarian at least every six months. A nutritional assessment can help the veterinarian identify changing energy or nutrient requirements, which may warrant a diet change. Senior diets vary widely in nutrient profiles as there are no established standards. It remains vital that older dogs stay well hydrated. Recommendations for senior dog diets need to be based on regular evaluations and discussion between veterinarian and owner.

Diet & Nutrition Medical Conditions

Nutrition for Dogs with Arthritis

Diet & Nutrition Preventive Care & Wellness

Nutrition for Inactive Adult Dogs

Senior Pets Vaccines

All about canine influenza

Expert Senior Dog Care Resources

Explore Other Related Topics

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No more “wait and see”
with a CareClub Access Plan

Unlimited Exams for $19.99/mo.*
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Live Chat
with the myVCA app**

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Explore More Dog Resources

*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.

CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.

VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.

**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.

Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.

Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.