Search AllergicPet.com

Old Dog Health Recommendations

1. Keep vaccinations current. Our veterinarians will determine the proper vaccines and schedule for your senior dog’s lifestyle.
2. Brush your pet frequently to prevent matts.
3. Clip toe nails as needed to prevent overgrowth.
4. Keep plenty of fresh water available and monitor its consumption. Increases in water consumption or urination are often associated with conditions such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease.
5. Keep other pets from preventing your old dog access to food and water.
6. Keep indoors most of the time, especially in inclement weather.
7. Weigh on the same scale and record results at least every 60 days.
8. Present for examination for any of the following:
1. Sustained significant increase in water consumption. (Abnormal is intake greater than 100 ml/kg/day or approximately 1 ½ cups (12 ounces)/day for a 10 pound senior dog)
2. Sustained significant increase in urination.
3. Weight loss seen in the old dog.
4. Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than two consecutive days.
5. Significant increase in appetite.
6. Repeated vomiting.
7. Diarrhea in the senior dog that lasts over 3 days.
8. Difficulty in passing stool or urine.
9. Sudden loss of housetraining.
10. Lameness that lasts more than 3 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
11. Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils that do not constrict in bright light.
12. Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persist more than 1 week.
13. Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts over 2 days.
14. Increasing size of the abdomen.
15. Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping.
16. Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized).
17. Persistent coughing or gagging.
18. Excessive panting.
19. Sudden collapse or bout of weakness.
20. Inability to chew dry food.
21. A seizure (convulsion).