How to Monitor a Senior Dog

Just like humans, dogs are living longer. Medical advancements have allowed us to give our pets healthy, extended lifespans. However, with old age dogs are more prone to an assortment of health problems.

Instructions

1. Get a wellness exam for your senior dog every six months. After the age of seven your vet will want to monitor your dog's health more closely. Through diagnostic screening the vet can detect many problems which can be treated if caught early.

2. Monitor how much your dog eats. It is normal for an older dog to have a smaller appetite than she did when she was younger. She is less active and will require fewer calories. Talk to your vet to determine how much your dog should be eating and then monitor her to make sure she is eating adequately.

3. Test your dog's senses. Stand behind your dog and talk in at normal volume to see how well his hearing is. Notice if he sees you when you enter a room quietly or does not know you are there until you get closer.

4. Watch your dog get up after she has been laying down for awhile. Evaluate her mobility, stiffness and the degree of pain she seems to experience.

5. Check your senior dog's coat and skin regularly. Watch for any lesions or sores and bring them to your vet's attention.

6. Examine your senior dog's eyes daily and wipe away the excess drainage that will accumulate in the corner of its eyes as your pet ages. Check for signs of cataracts, glaucoma and inflammation.