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  • “A Senior Dog Parent’s Guide: What to Watch for as Your Dog Ages”
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Friends of the Dog


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Keeping an Eye on Your Senior Dog’s Health

As our furry friends get older, their bodies go through changes—some of these are just part of the normal aging process, while others might be early signs of illness. The best way to help your senior dog stay happy and healthy is to pay attention to little shifts in their daily routines and habits. Catching changes early can make a big difference. Here are some simple things you can keep an eye on at home:
  • Eating habits: Notice if your dog is eating less, picking at food, or struggling with kibble but fine with softer food. Are they having trouble chewing or swallowing? Any vomiting?
  • Drinking habits: Is your dog drinking way more or way less water than usual? Both can be red flags.
  • Bathroom business: Keep track of the color, amount, and consistency of stool and urine. Does your pup strain or seem uncomfortable? Any accidents inside the house that are new?
  • Weight: Weigh your dog every couple of months. For smaller pups, an infant or mail scale works. For bigger dogs, you may need your vet’s office scale. Even small weight changes can be important.
  • Grooming & body checks: Regular brushing is a good time to feel for lumps, bumps, or sores that aren’t healing. Pay attention to unusual smells, a belly that looks bigger, or changes in coat and shedding.
  • Behaviour: Have you noticed changes in sleep patterns, confusion with commands, or less interest in hanging out with family? Is your dog suddenly anxious when left alone or easily startled?
  • Mobility & activity: Watch for stiffness, limping, or difficulty climbing stairs. Does your dog tire more quickly, bump into things, collapse suddenly, or have seizures? Any loss of balance?
  • Breathing: Keep an ear out for coughing, wheezing, sneezing, or heavy panting at rest.
  • Dental care: Check your pup’s mouth often—look for drooling, sores, bad breath, or swollen and discolored gums. Brushing at home helps too!
  • Comfort level: Notice if your senior dog seeks cooler or warmer spots than before—they may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
  • Vet visits: Don’t skip regular check-ups. Your vet can help spot issues long before they become big problems. Many vets suggest a check up every few months, so that any health problems can be dealt with early - remember, that unless severe, dogs do not always exhibit pain. 
And remember: just because your dog shows one of these signs doesn’t mean they’re seriously ill—but it does mean it’s worth a vet visit to be safe.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Illness in Senior Dogs

Here are some extra things to keep on your radar as dogs age. These can sometimes point to underlying health issues:
  • Sudden or unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Increased thirst or urination (possible diabetes or kidney disease)
  • Loss of appetite or sudden picky eating
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation that lasts more than a day or two
  • Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to exercise
  • Sudden blindness, bumping into things, or cloudy eyes
  • Excessive scratching, licking, or shaking of ears
  • Seizures, tremors, or sudden collapse
  • Confusion, pacing, or getting “lost” in familiar places (possible cognitive decline)
  • Bad breath, bleeding gums, or loose teeth
  • Unexplained lumps, sores, or wounds that don’t heal
  • Behaviour changes—such as increased aggression, anxiety, withdrawal, change in activity levels or exercise intolerance