Dogs experience many behavioral and physical changes as they age.Slowing down, greying coat, and poorer vision are normal.Senior dogs experience many symptoms due to underlying conditions.Senior dogs can have signs of illness, like weight gain or loss, food and water consumption, and excretion.There are changes in behavior, sleep habits, mobility, and cognitive function.
Step 1: Keep an eye on your dog's water and food consumption.
As your dog gets older, you should keep an eye on how much food and water they consume.If they eat and drink less than they used to, watch to see.You should be aware of the food they are consuming.Some dogs are starting to eat soft food instead of hard food.Your dog is eating.They may have difficulty chewing or swallowing.This is a sign of a problem if your dog vomits after eating.
Step 2: Look for any anomalies with excretion.
Problems in older dogs may be caused by abnormalities with urination and defecation.Constipation is a common concern, but in addition to that, you should notice any changes in color, consistency, or regularity of the stools.You should be aware of the amount of urine and the color.If your dog has any problems defecating or urinating, this could be a problem.Messing in the house is a sign that something is wrong with your dog.
Step 3: Check your dog's weight.
Senior dogs may have weight problems.If your dog's appetite has remained the same, they are gaining or losing weight.You need to weigh your dog every two months.A small dog can be weighed.You can take the dog's weight and subtract it from the total.The vet may need to weigh large dogs.
Step 4: There are problems on the skin.
You should check your dog's skin for problems.The lump and bumps may be nothing but a symptom of a serious condition.You can check for skin sores that won't heal.The dog's abdomen should be checked to see if it has changed in size.It may be changed.Increased hair loss or weird odors are things to look for.
Step 5: Check the dog is moving around.
Mobility issues are experienced by senior dogs.It's usually seen when they can't walk up stairs or jump like they used to.They may have a wobbly walk.They may have a problem with their legs.The dog may have problems with balance, their legs may start to cross as they walk, and they may not be able to get up and down.
Step 6: There are any respiration problems.
Even if your dog is getting older, they shouldn't be having respiratory problems.It is normal for a dog to pant, but excessive panting may be a sign of a problem.If you cough, sneeze, or discharge from your nose, it's time to see the vet.
Step 7: Check your dog's mouth.
Check your senior dog's mouth to make sure they don't have dental problems.Look for broken teeth.There are yellow, purple, or pale pink gum colors.Check for bad breath.Periodontal disease is a sign of dog breath.A mouth or dental problem may be caused by excessive drooling.
Step 8: Look for hearing problems.
Problems with hearing or sounds could be an underlying condition for your senior pet.Your pet may not respond to sounds at all.Your pet may not notice that something is happening around them.
Step 9: Look at your dog's sleep patterns.
Older dogs may experience sleep problems.The dog can stay up all night.They might end up walking around the house all night.The dog might sleep too much.Sleep aggression can happen in older dogs.They act aggressively when woken from sleep or when you wake them.
Step 10: Take notice of behavior changes.
Older dogs have different behavior when they are older than younger dogs.They prefer to be alone and stop being social.When they are not with you, they may get separation anxiety.Older pets are easier to startle.
Step 11: It's a good idea to monitor for disorientation.
Senior dogs can experience cognitive problems.The dog may get off their routine, like wanting to eat or go for a walk at night.The dog may stop following commands.The dog may lose their way around familiar places, like the house or yard.They may wander around the house in a confused state.
Step 12: There are changes in the activity level.
Senior dogs slow down as they age.They may not be able to exercise for the same duration or intensity.Loss of interest in any activity may be a cause for concern.The dog may collapse during activity.They are playing and you should notice a loss of balance.
Step 13: Aggressive behavior should be watched.
Older dogs get more aggressive as they age.This can be a result of their failing senses.There may be something wrong if your dog has become more aggressive.Your pet may not like people anymore.They may be aggressive towards family members.