When Should You Consider Changing Vet For Your Senior Labrador? A Complete Guide For Choosing A Vet For A Senior Labrador

People often take their dog to the same doctor even as the dog gets older. Have you ever thought of it properly? Does you, your 70-year-old grandpa, and your newborn nephew go to the same doctor? 

While your grandfather goes to a heart specialist, you go to a general physician for a cold and flu, and your toddler nephew goes to a pediatrician for the same problem. 

We, as human beings, remain very particular about our own medical needs and requirements. But when the question comes to our furballs, we have a very generic solution to that: “take it to the vet.”   

As if the word “vet” remains the one-stop solution. We forget to address the issues related to the specifications and other diversities within the veterinary discipline, which cater to the diverse needs and requirements of different types of illnesses. 

I still remember the first day when I brought Cooper home. He was a very energetic ball of fur. The local Vet was great with pups of Cooper’s age. The Vet always had a treat ready for my little Cooper, and whenever he took a needle, the vet would give him some treat. 

Cooper turned eight last month, and I literally forgot that my Cooper is no longer a tiny little fur ball, but now he is a 50-55-year-old man. Yes, exactly, if Cooper were a hooman, his age would have been so. 7 years in human years is equivalent to 1 year in dog years.  

This article informs you about the things that you should keep in mind while choosing a vet for a senior Labrador. 

Why Is It Important To Change The Dog’s Vet As It Grows Old? Understanding It With The Story Of Cooper 

Cooper has now turned eight, and his muzzle is grey. I can literally see that Cooper now lacks energy. Cooper now wags his tail a lot slower than he used to when he was a pup. Cooper has now developed a wheeze during the humid times of the year. Thus, this shows that his body is now changing. 

Hence, the wet food that is great for puppy Cooper is not the ideal choice for adult Cooper. Thus, for senior labs, Geriatric care plays a very important role. Thus, I started communicating with different types of wets to understand their relevance in dogs like Cooper.  

How To Choose A Vet For Senior Dogs?: Why Does The 8th-Year Change It All?

Most of the dog-parents remain loyal to their vets. They even proudly claim that the same doctor has been seeing their baby since childhood. However, the reality is that loyalty to your vet does not always help. 

A plethora of other things play a major role. As the dog grows older, the problems in its body become even more complex. Thus, this requires a proper investigative treatment. On the other hand, puppy care is mostly about prevention, vaccination, and spaying. 

Here are some of the biggest complications your Labrador can face as it ages over 8 years old. 

1. The “Anal Gland” Problem 

The senior dogs generally lose their muscle tone in their rear end. Moreover, this was a bummer for me as I had no iota of an idea about the problems related to the anal glands of a senior dog. Moreover, for the first seven years of Cooper’s life, we never had to face these problems. 

Additionally, the 3 AM “Fishy” wake-up call becomes a daily phenomenon. Thus, this starts as the most authentic sign of anal gland-related problems. 

Furthermore, now it has become a monthly crisis for me, Cooper, and others in our family. Cooper’s digestion slowed down, and his stool became softer with time.  Cooper had zero issues, but now he requires a “tech appointment” every 4 weeks, like clockwork. 

I learned much later that if I wait till the fifth week, then Cooper shall be in immense pain. Hence, this shall force him to scoot across the rug. Thus, this often causes problems such as abscesses. 

Hence, in such situations, the dog requires a vet who will not just do a groomer’s job but will also investigate for infections when necessary.  Hence, choosing a vet who can detect infection becomes very important. 

2. After-Hour Availability   

Health issues in any living being can occur at the most ungodly hours. One fine Friday night, that is exactly what happened to Cooper. He collapsed in the hallway at 8 PM. However, the thigh turned out to be a vestibular episode, which remains very common in older dogs. But at that time, I was very scared for my Cooper, as it almost seemed like a stroke. 

Hence, I immediately called my regular clinic, but I received a voicemail stating that the emergency center was about 45 minutes away. 

However, it felt like the longest drive of my life. Thus, when choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, I ask them seriously whether they have an on-call doctor for established patients. 

The vets often partner with emergency clinics. However, I always ensure that the emergency clinics have their records on file. 

The worst nightmare remains explaining the complex medical history of a dog to a medic who is a stranger to the dog’s nature of illness. 

3. The Financial Reality  

Your love for your dog cannot compare with the cost of maintaining its health. People will always choose their dog’s health over the money that they will spend. However, you can not deny the fact that expenditure has to be done more sustainably. Otherwise, you shall be broke.  

When Cooper’s kidney parameters started looking mildly elevated, we began to give him a proper renal support diet with “medical” kibble.  

Moreover, this shift led to an immense price increase. Now one bag of kibble costs around $110 instead of $60. 

Additionally, I had to spend a lot of money on joint supplements (Dasuquin) and Omega-3s for his coat. Furthermore, there was a mandatory Librela Shot for arthritis. 

I was purchasing all the things that were necessary for Cooper. However, after a while, I realized that Cooper’s needs and requirements were increasing day by day.  

Hence, you can not simply keep spending on everything. Thus, while choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, you should choose someone who can actually help you prioritize. For example, your vet can simply say that the Renal food is non-negotiable. However, you can simply purchase this generic Omega-3 brand to save money. 

On the other hand, a bad vet will keep selling you everything until you become completely broke. 

4. The Heart  Vs Kidney Balancing Act  

When choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, it’s important to get help from someone who can actually strategize for you. All the internal organs in a canine’s body remain dependent on one another. However, pharmaceutical manufacturers often make medicines with only one organ in mind. Cooper developed a mild heart murmur. Thus, the doctors had prescribed him a diuretic to help his heart function normally. 

However, diuretics often have terrible effects on the kidneys. Thus, we had to go through a horrible phase of dichotomy. The medicines that were serving his heart were actually causing problems for his kidneys. On the other hand, the diet that was good for the kidneys was not really great for Cooper’s muscle mass. 

Hence, you can not always go for a “vaccine-only vet ” for a senior dog. Thus, a vet who is a proper strategist is required in these situations. 

The vet should be able to sit with me and explain the most balanced treatment that will give Cooper the best shot at a healthy life. 

The vets should not treat organs in isolation. Instead, they should see the dog’s anatomy quite holistically.  

Treatment of organs in isolation often leads to harm in the long run. Moreover, this can mess with the delicate balance of a canine body. 

5. The Importance Of Immediate Treatment  

The older dogs generally require immediate treatment. Moreover, when Cooper limped in his younger years, we used to wait and see for at least 24 hours. However, a limp can now be a sign of several major problems. 

Thus, a limp can now often refer to more complex problems. These problems can include things like osteosarcoma (bone cancer) or an ACL tear. Therefore, when choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, you should get hold of someone who is prompt. 

The vet should not delay prescribing an X-ray for the patient as soon as possible. Thus, a vet who goes for a “wait-and-watch” approach can be a big red flag. 

What Is The Labrador Litmus Test? 3 Conditions That Your Vet Should Be Completely Aware Of 

The labradors have certain specific conditions that the vets should definitely be able to take care of. Moreover, generic treatments for Labradors can be fatal. Thus, while choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, you should definitely go to a vet who has experience in treating Labradors. 

1. Laryngeal Paralysis  

Does your Labrador make a harsh, roaring sound while breathing? Moreover, Laryngeal paralysis can be a very common factor in the Labrador breed.  

A senior Canine-savvy doctor shall be absolutely accustomed to the throat and can immediately detect Laryngeal Paralysis. 

 This condition affects up up to 70% of older Labradors. Thus, the vets should definitely investigate this condition in the Labrador dogs. This information was taken from a study published by the Purina Pro Club. 

2. Fatty Lumps  

As Cooper grows older, fatty lumps in certain parts of his body have become very common. The fatty lumps have been concerning. However, fatty lumps remain a common problem among the labradors, as they are a very lumpy dog. 

When choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, you should always ensure that your vet does not blindly assume it is a lipoma. On the other hand, a good vet wil definitely go for a needle aspirate to confirm it is just fat.  

Moreover, mast cell tumors often mimic harmless fat lumps. You should never gamble with the life of your dog. 

3. Orthopedic Awareness  

Labradors gain a lot of weight as they grow older. Thus, orthopedic problems remain among the most common in Labrador Retrievers. When choosing a vet for your senior Labrador, ensure your Vet does not just prescribe pills. The vet should offer multiple treatment options. 

Carprofen acts as a standard treatment for orthopedic problems in dogs. However, that should not be the only remedy for your dog. The vet should be able to offer multiple treatment options, including Adequan injections, Laser Therapy, and Hydrotherapy.   

The vets should be completely accustomed to the latest and most modern treatment methods. Thus, the vet who does not offer treatments beyond a pill has become outdated. 

What are The Important Questions To Ask While Choosing A Vet?

Dog parents should definitely not shy away from asking their vets the most relevant questions when choosing a vet for a senior Labrador. Here are some of the most important questions to ask when selecting a vet. 

1. What Is Your Anesthesia Protocol For The Senior Dogs? 

Do not trust a doctor who simply says, “Do not worry, he will be just fine.” This sounds like a very generic answer. However, the doctors should perform appropriate pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess kidney/liver function.  

The vets should place an IV catheter for fluids to keep the blood pressure up. Additionally, a dedicated nurse should monitor CO2 levels. The vets should have equipment to detect and monitor things beyond the heart rate. 

2. Do you Use The HHHHMM Quality Of Life Scale? 

The HHHHMMMM scale stands for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More days to go. This scale allows the  vets to have the hard conversations with the dog parents with empathy and data. 

The Tetra H and Double MM standards serve as the gold standards for Labrador care. Thus, while choosing a vet for a senior Labrador, you should ensure that your vet remains aware of this scale. 

3. Can I Be Present During The Examination? 

This can sound very petty. However, this plays a very relevant role in ensuring proper treatment. Senior labs often get really anxious when they do not get to see the known faces. A dog parent should always see if the examination is happening in the right way. 

You should ensure that the vet performs the procedure on a proper yoga mat to prevent problems for the dogs. Elderly Labradors often develop slippery paws. Carrying a yoga mat can help, as lifting an 80lb dog onto a metal table can be painful. 

Sign To Switch The Vet

When Cooper got really old, certain problems arose. Moreover, the vets can often dismiss the main issues in your Labrador’s. This is when I felt like taking Cooper to another vet. Thus, do not hesitate to shift to another doctor as soon as your doctor shows these signs. 

1. Lack Of Equipments 

The senior dogs require proper monitoring for the best treatment. Thus, the special equipment makes the work easier. The dogs should be able to make some of the most reliable options to ensure that they get the best results with the help of the dog. The list of equipments should include things like X-ray, ultrasound, and others. 

2. Rushing With The Appointment  

The problems in a Labrador become very complicated as they grows old. A vet cannot really assess a senior dog’s complications in just 15 minutes. A senior Labrador can have issues with lumps, joints, and the heart. 

3. Dismissing Weight Gain  

The vets often dismiss weight gain while stating that “labs are supposed to be chunky”. However, obesity in elderly dogs can cause early deaths in Labrador Retrievers.  

Consider These Things Before Choosing A Vet For A Senior Labrador

Switching vets can be really difficult. Moreover, whenever your vet’s treatment works, you start to place your faith in your dog. Thus, whenever I considered switching vets, I always felt unsure whether I was doing the right thing, as I often remembered all those times when the vet’s treatment had actually helped the dog. 

I felt guilty about leaving the doctor who had given Cooper his first puppy shots. However, my 8-year-old Cooper has a whole new, different set of needs and requirements that my 8-week-old did not really have back in the day. 

Your 55-year-old baby needs a vet who can actually investigate the entire thing. Moreover, they need a detective who can literally solve the mystery of their health issues. 

Look at your dog sleeping on your feet right now. When you see signs that your vet is not tackling the serious problems, make an immediate call.  Choose a proper vet for your senior Labrador dog as soon as possible, before it is too late. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions people have when choosing a vet for a senior Labrador.