How to tell if your senior dog is healthy?
Rudolph Sipes
2025-08-04 10:15:46
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It can be easy to tell if your pet has a really good quality of life – they’re still playful, active, comfortable and enjoying their food normally. You can use the pointers to regularly check on your pet’s quality of life, such as: Are they in pain, do they shake, tremble or pant even when they’re resting, do they hide away and not want to be touched or stroked. Are they struggling to get around, do they struggle to get up without your help, are they unable to exercise, even just gently. Are they eating and drinking normally, have they lost interest in food, even turning down their favourite treats. Are they going to the toilet normally, has your cat stopped using the litter tray, is your dog struggling to let you know when they need to go outside. If the answers to many of these questions is yes, it’s a sign your pet is struggling. You can use these questions as a guide to see if their quality of life is changing.
Demond Harber
2025-08-04 09:15:14
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Visit your veterinarian regularly, many vets recommend twice-a-year wellness exams for senior dogs. If you notice any of the following issues, talk to your veterinarian to determine the course of treatment. Increased or Strained Urination Increased urination or straining to urinate may be an indicator of kidney disease, a urinary tract infection, or other health problems that are more commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem. Lumps, Bumps, and Other Skin Problems Dogs may encounter skin and coat issues at any age, but these issues are more likely as they get older. Weight Gain or Loss Some older dogs have difficulty maintaining their weight and may need a dog food with a higher calorie content or better palatability. Difficulty Playing and Getting Around It may be hard for you to see your previously active dog having difficulty getting around the house or playing fetch like before, but joint issues such as arthritis are common in older dogs. Discuss with your veterinarian whether dietary changes would be helpful. Changes in your dog’s behavior may be a normal part of aging or a symptom of a disease such as dog dementia. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of confusion, disorientation, memory loss, irritability, unusual pacing, loss of house training, or other behavior changes.
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