Care for All Ages

From puppyhood to senior years, it’s important to understand how to care for your dog throughout all ages and stages.

Every dog is unique, and the start of each stage of life calls for different home and veterinary care. Check with your veterinarian to establish a proactive wellness plan to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout its life.

Annual Wellness

Puppies

Must receive a series of properly staged vaccines and physical exams. During these exams, your veterinarian may also recommend parasite preventatives or lab tests.

Adult Dogs 

Need to continue visiting the veterinarian annually for physical exams, recommended vaccines, and routine testing. 

Senior Dogs

May develop similar problems seen in older people, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Your veterinarian may recommend biannual visits to ensure your pet’s quality of life. 

Spay/Neuter

Females spayed before their first heat cycle will be less likely to get uterine infections, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Males neutered at any age will be less likely to get prostate disease. Spaying or neutering also helps prevent behavioral problems like marking and escaping. Talk to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog.

Nutrition

Pets require different types of food to support each life stage. Growing puppies need more nutrient-dense food than adults while adult dogs and cats need food that will keep them healthy and energetic. Your senior dog may need fewer calories, less fat, and more fiber as he or she ages. Talk to your veterinarian to determine what’s appropriate for your dog.

Exercise

Adult dogs should stay active with daily walks and one-on-one training. Weight management of your senior dog is extremely important to ensure they are at an ideal body weight and able to move around comfortably.

Training

Behavioral issues are a major cause of pet abandonment. Begin training your puppy right away to prevent bad habits and establish good ones. Start house training your puppy as soon as you get home. Keep your puppy supplied with plenty of chew toys so he or she gets used to gnawing on those and not your belongings.