Senior dogs should ideally get routine twice-yearly veterinary exams. Small changes in behavior can be normal, however there are certain symptoms that should concern you.
If you notice any of the symptoms detailed in this article you should report them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Any one or more of the following symptoms could be caused by a range of minor or major illnesses.
Remember, it's not your job to diagnose the disorder. It's your job to observe your dog, evaluate all of his bodily functions and report his symptoms to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your dog is having severe symptoms such as struggling to breathe or loses consciousness, take him to your veterinarian immediately.
Your Senior Dog Needs to See a Vet When He...
Drinks water or urinates more often than usual
Loses weight
Is unusually hungry
Vomits repeatedly
Has diarrhea lasting for more than three days
Finds it difficult to pass stool or urine
Forgets his housebreaking habits
Exhibits lameness for more than 5 days or in more than one leg
Has trouble seeing
Develops open sores on the skin that persist for more than one week Develops a foul mouth odor or drools excessively
Appears to gain weight only in his abdomen
Spends more time than usual sleeping or gazing into space
Loses hair or scratches, especially if only in specific areas
Pants excessively
Is unable to chew dry food
Collapses suddenly or has a bout of weakness
Has a seizure (convulsion)
Coughs persistently or gags often
Has bleeding from the mouth, nose or rectum
Has a significant decrease in appetite or doesn't eat for more than two days
Related Articles
-
1
Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy
Your dog's breed and size determine when he enters his senior years. You can't hold back the clock, but there are many things you can do to help keep him healthy and active as long as possible.
» Read More
-
2
Grooming Your Senior Dog - Special Concerns
As your pet ages, taking an active role in grooming becomes even more important. Older pets often groom less, may have trouble cleaning those "hard to reach places," or may develop skin conditions that...
» Read More
-
3
The Importance of Exercise in the Senior Dog
A regular exercise routine is an essential part of any dog’s healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, grooming and regular visits to your veterinarian are equally important. As a dog ages, exercise tolerance...
» Read More
-
4
Feeding Your Senior Dog
The proper diet is important in the care of an aging dog. However, there is no best food to feed a geriatric dog; that depends on the specific problems or nutritional requirements of each animal.
» Read More
-
5
14 Common Disorders of Senior Dogs
It's important that your elderly pup receive routine veterinary care and periodic exams to keep him healthy. Here are some of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses known to afflict older dogs.
» Read More
-
6
Geriatric Dog Care
Old age happens to the best of us – even our dogs. The aging process brings about a gradual decline in a dog's physical and sometimes mental abilities. Becoming aware of these issues allows an owner to...
» Read More
