Senior Dog Care — Health Tips for Dogs 7 Years & Older

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Winchester opens at 8 AM Pacific for drop-offs. Live wait estimates begin at 9:30 AM Pacific.

Updated 1:10 AM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

When Is a Dog Considered Senior?

Dogs are generally considered senior at 7 years old, though this varies by breed and size. Small breeds (under 20 lbs) may not show aging signs until 10–12 years. Large and giant breeds (over 50 lbs) are senior by 6–7 years. Giant breeds like Great Danes may be considered senior as early as 5. Regardless of breed, proactive health management becomes increasingly important as your dog ages.

Common Signs of Aging in Dogs

Slowing down on walks or reluctance to jump. Stiffness, especially after resting (a hallmark of arthritis). Increased sleeping. Weight gain or loss. Bad breath or difficulty eating (dental disease). Cloudy eyes (nuclear sclerosis — usually benign, but have your vet check). Increased thirst and urination (can signal kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing's disease). Changes in behavior — confusion, anxiety, pacing at night (possible cognitive dysfunction). Lumps and bumps (most are benign, but all should be checked). Hearing or vision loss.

Recommended Health Screenings

At ARCH Veterinary, we recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for senior dogs, with these screenings: comprehensive blood work (CBC, chemistry panel) to check organ function, urinalysis to screen for kidney disease and urinary tract infections, thyroid testing, blood pressure measurement, dental exam, body condition scoring and weight monitoring, joint assessment and pain scoring, and eye examination. Catching conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing's disease early dramatically improves outcomes and quality of life.

Nutrition for Senior Dogs

Senior dogs have different nutritional needs: they generally need fewer calories (metabolism slows), higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass, joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, easily digestible ingredients, and adequate fiber for GI health. Ask your ARCH vet about transitioning to a senior-specific diet. We can recommend brands based on your dog's specific health profile. Avoid free-feeding — measure meals to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is the #1 preventable health issue in older dogs.

Managing Arthritis & Joint Pain

Arthritis affects up to 80% of senior dogs. Signs include stiffness after rest, difficulty with stairs, reluctance to jump, and lagging behind on walks. Management options include: prescription anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s), weight management (every extra pound stresses joints), physical therapy and rehabilitation (available at ARCH Veterinary), orthopedic beds and ramp access, moderate, consistent exercise (short walks are better than weekend warrior sessions), and injectable joint therapies like Adequan or Librela.

Cognitive Dysfunction (Doggy Dementia)

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) affects many senior dogs and looks similar to Alzheimer's in humans. Signs include: disorientation in familiar places, staring at walls or into space, pacing or restlessness (especially at night), forgetting housetraining, not recognizing family members, changes in sleep-wake cycle, and decreased interest in play or interaction. Treatment options include prescription diets (Hills b/d), supplements (SAMe, omega-3s, melatonin), medication (selegiline), environmental enrichment (puzzle toys, new routes on walks), and consistent daily routines.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a senior dog see the vet?

We recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for dogs 7 and older. Senior health can change quickly, and twice-yearly visits help catch problems early when they're most treatable.

Is it normal for my senior dog to sleep all day?

Increased sleep is normal to some extent. However, significant lethargy, sleeping more than 80% of the day, or sudden changes in activity level warrant a vet visit to rule out pain, hypothyroidism, or other conditions.

Should I switch my senior dog to senior food?

Generally yes, around age 7. Senior formulas have adjusted calories, protein, and joint-supporting nutrients. Your ARCH vet can recommend the best diet based on your dog's health profile, weight, and any existing conditions.

How much does a senior wellness exam cost?

A comprehensive senior wellness exam with blood work at ARCH Veterinary typically ranges from $200–$400. This includes exam, blood work, urinalysis, and any additional tests your vet recommends. Early detection saves money on treatment long-term.