A Senior Dog Health Checklist: What to Watch For

Senior dogs benefit from closer, more regular attention than they needed in their younger years — not because something is necessarily wrong, but because catching small changes early makes them far easier to manage.

At Home

A simple routine goes a long way: check body weight and condition monthly, run your hands over your dog regularly to feel for new lumps or bumps, watch water intake for sudden increases, and keep an eye on appetite, energy, and bathroom habits for anything that shifts and stays shifted.

At the Vet

Most senior dogs benefit from vet checkups twice a year rather than once, since health changes can move faster at this stage. Bloodwork, dental checks, and joint assessments are common parts of a senior wellness visit, and give your vet a baseline to compare against over time.

Building the Habit

None of this requires turning into a constant worrier — it's about building a light, steady habit of noticing. A dog who's closely watched tends to get problems caught early, when they're usually easiest to address.