Become informed about the signs of conditions common to older dogs so that you can bring them to your veterinarian’s attention and decide on a course of action. Prompt attention (i.e., don’t wait until it’s time for the semi-annual visit) provides the opportunity for prompt treatment and a better result.
You are closest to your dog and are in the best position to observe behavior that seems different from normal or problematic. Never assume that a change in behavior or habits is simply due to advancing age and that nothing can be done about it; there may be a highly treatable condition underlying the changes.
Here’s an organized look at common health issues in senior dogs and how to approach them:
ISSUE | OBSERVE | ACT/LEARN MORE |
ARTHRITIS, MOBILITY  | Stiffness, difficulty rising from sitting or lying position; limping; legs trembling; difficulty with stairs | Review with vet need for medication, supplements, exercise |
DENTAL AND GUM DISEASE  | Bad breath; tartar or brown/yellow deposits on teeth; difficulty chewing; rubbing at mouth | Get veterinary attention asap; schedule cleaning |
WEIGHT/APPETITE  | Body profile not ideal (see chart); sudden loss of appetite | Develop plan for weight loss with vet; see vet asap in case of extreme weight or appetite loss |
LUMPS, BUMPS, SWELLINGS  | Hands-on to check for abnormalities of skin or body conformation | See vet asap for any suspicious or unusual growths or other body abnormalities |
KIDNEY DISEASE, DIABETES  | Excessive drinking, urination, loss of appetite, nausea, lethargy | See veterinarian asap |
HEART DISEASE  | Unusual breathlessness, fatigue, weakness, coughing, difficulty breathing, increased breathing rate, abdominal swelling | See veterinarian asap |
ISSUE | OBSERVE | ACT/LEARN |
VISION DECLINE  | Bumps into things; missteps; misjudges height when jumping off elevated surface. If sudden onset, may indicate glaucoma, requiring immediate veterinary attention. | Have vet check for eye conditions at regular semi-annual visits. If sudden onset of vision loss, see vet immediately. Otherwise, take protective measures such as keeping on leash. |
HEARING DECLINE  | No longer responds to name or "Come" command; sleeps through sudden, loud noises. | Always use a leash in risky environments. Train/reinforce hand signals. |
COGNITIVE DECLINE  | Dog seems disoriented; gets lost or gazes into corners with no reason; doesn't interact with you as usual; barks inappropriately; has house-training accidents. | See vet for medication that may help. Stay alert to situations that require help; keep on leash to protect. |
INCONTINENCE  | May be due to cognitive decline or another condition | Check with veterinarian first, also try more frequent walks, more relief areas close to home, doggie diapers or belly bands. There are many options for managing incontinence. |
VESTIBULAR SYNDROME  | May show up as a sudden onset of loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt, and irregular eye movements. Dog may be unwilling to stand or walk and may fall. | Usually improves without treatment, but vet should be consulted. |
IMPORTANT! | Don't assume that a symptom is "simply old age" and can't be helped. | Always consult your veterinarian for possible treatment and/or therapy. |
Being tuned into your senior dog and noticing anything that strikes you as unusual is important, but it’s taking action that’s even more critical when it comes to a timely diagnosis and treatment.