Senior Healthcare Checklist

Although your veterinarian is the expert, you are the one who cares for your pet every day and you are more likely to notice subtle changes in your pet's behavior or physical abilities.

If your pet is experiencing one or more of the signs on this checklist, be sure to bring it to your veterinarian's attention. What may look like normal aging could be a manageable condition thanks to advances in animal medicine, nutrition and health care. The best results are achieved when problems are caught and treated early.

• Difficulty jumping up or climbing stairs
• Increased stiffness or limping
• Loss of housetraining
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Changes in activity level; fatigue; sluggishness
• Excessive panting
• Circling/Repetitive movements
• Confusion or disorientation; staring off into space
• Excessive vocalization, especially at night
• Less interaction with family
• Decreased responsiveness
• Tremors or shaking
• Skin and haircoat changes; lumps; odor
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Less enthusiastic greeting or behavior
• Altered appetite
• Weight change
• Bad breath; red gums; difficulty eating; drooling
• Coughing; labored breathing; shortness of breath
• Vomiting; diarrhea; flatulence
• Other changes