As our dogs grow older, their needs change — and so does the kind of care that keeps them healthy, comfortable, and happy. At Florida Aid to Animals, we’re here to support you through every stage of your pet’s life with affordable, compassionate veterinary care tailored to senior pets.

Aging isn’t a disease. It’s a new chapter — and with the right support, it can be a beautiful one.

When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?

Most dogs begin entering their senior years around:

• Small breeds: 10–12 years
• Medium breeds: 8–10 years
• Large & giant breeds: 6–8 years

Every dog ages differently, so regular checkups help us understand what your pet needs as they grow older.

Why Senior Wellness Care Matters

As dogs age, subtle changes can signal underlying health issues. Many conditions — like kidney disease, arthritis, dental disease, or heart problems — can be managed more effectively when caught early.

At FATA, we recommend:

• Wellness exams every year
• Annual bloodwork 
• Routine dental care
• Weight and mobility evaluations

These visits help us catch concerns early and keep your dog feeling their best.

Common Signs of Aging in Dogs

If you notice any of the following, it may be time for a senior checkup:

• Slower to get up or move around
• Drinking or urinating more
• Weight gain or loss
• Cloudy eyes or vision changes
• Hearing loss
• New lumps or bumps
• Bad breath or difficulty chewing
• Sleeping more than usual
• Behavioral changes (confusion, pacing, anxiety)

Even small changes can be meaningful — you know your dog best, and we’re here to help interpret what you’re seeing.

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Senior Dog Services at FATA

We offer affordable care designed to support your aging pet, including:

Senior Wellness Exams $47.75

A nose-to-tail evaluation to assess mobility, organ function, dental health, skin, heart, and more.

Senior Bloodwork & Diagnostics $180

Early detection of kidney, liver, thyroid, and metabolic changes helps us create a personalized care plan.

Arthritis & Pain Management

Options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Joint supplements
• Weight management plans
• Lifestyle adjustments to reduce strain

Dental Care

Dental disease is extremely common in older dogs and can cause pain, infection, and organ strain. Regular cleanings and monitoring help keep your senior comfortable.

We proudly offer anesthetized dental cleanings starting at $199.95;

available for dogs & cats under 10 years old already spayed or neutered.*

*Any pet 6 years of age or older will be required to have Pre-Anesthetic Blood Work ($115). Our cut-off age for Dentals is right at 10 years old. Any patient aged 10 years or older, and or with health problems (such as heart murmurs or seizures) will be referred to a local full service clinic that is equipped to handle high risk patients safely.

Nutrition & Weight Support

Senior dogs often need:

• High-quality protein
• Controlled calories
• Joint-supporting nutrients
• Diet adjustments for kidney or metabolic changes

We’ll help you choose the right diet for your dog’s age and health.

Vaccinations for Seniors

Vaccines continue to play an important role in keeping senior dogs healthy. Even as dogs age, they remain vulnerable to preventable diseases — and some risks actually increase over time. At Florida Aid to Animals, we tailor vaccine recommendations to your dog’s age, lifestyle, and overall health so they stay protected without unnecessary stress.

Core Vaccines for Senior Dogs

Most senior dogs should continue receiving their core vaccines unless a veterinarian recommends otherwise.

Rabies

Required by Florida law and essential for protecting both pets and people. Senior dogs should stay current on their rabies vaccine unless a medical exemption is appropriate.

Distemper/Parvo (DHPP)

Immunity can wane with age. Boosters help protect older dogs from severe, sometimes fatal, viral infections.

Leptospirosis

This vaccine is especially important in Florida due to wildlife, standing water, and warm weather.

Senior dogs with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to these illnesses, making prevention even more important.

Are Vaccines Safe for Older Dogs?

Yes — for most seniors, vaccines are very safe. Our veterinary team evaluates each dog individually to ensure they’re healthy enough for vaccination and adjusts schedules if needed.

We may recommend:

• Spacing out vaccines for comfort
• Running bloodwork before vaccination for dogs with chronic conditions
• Adjusting vaccine frequency based on lifestyle and risk

Your dog’s safety and comfort always come first.

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Why Vaccination Still Matters in the Golden Years

Senior dogs can have:

• Weaker immune systems
• Higher risk of complications from preventable diseases
• Increased exposure risks if they visit groomers, boarding, or public spaces

Keeping vaccines up to date helps protect your dog from serious illness and supports a longer, healthier life.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfortable at Home

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Provide soft, supportive bedding
• Use ramps or steps to avoid jumping
• Keep nails trimmed for better traction
• Offer shorter, more frequent walks
• Avoid heat exposure — seniors overheat easily
• Maintain a predictable routine
• Add night lights for dogs with vision loss

Daily movement is incredibly important — regular, gentle walks help maintain mobility and quality of life.

When to Call Us

Contact us if your senior dog shows:

• Sudden decrease in activity
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst
• New lumps or rapid changes in existing ones
• Confusion or disorientation

We’re here to help you understand what’s normal aging and what needs attention.

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