# Senior Dog Checkup: What Should Be Included?


## Key Takeaways

- Senior dog checkups should prioritize the early detection of common age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, dental disease, and endocrine disorders, which can be mistaken for normal aging.
- Owners should meticulously document changes in mobility, appetite, thirst, urination, weight, and behavior, as these are critical indicators for veterinary assessment.
- Diagnostic screening, including blood work and urinalysis, is essential for evaluating organ function (kidney, liver, endocrine) and metabolic status in senior canines.
- Lumps and bumps require prompt veterinary attention; owners should photograph them to track size, location, and growth rate for accurate monitoring.
- Acute onset of collapse, dyspnea, seizures, severe pain, or profound weakness necessitates immediate emergency veterinary intervention.
- Regular senior wellness exams serve as a proactive measure to identify and manage pain, dental issues, organ dysfunction, and weight fluctuations before they escalate into critical health crises.

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**Senior dog checkups look for changes that owners may mistake for normal aging. Dental pain, arthritis, lumps, heart disease, weight change, cognitive decline, kidney disease, and hormone problems are common discussion points. Bring a list of behavior, appetite, thirst, mobility, and medication changes.**

## What symptoms or causes should I watch for?

- **Mobility pain:** Stiffness, slipping, lagging on walks, or reluctance to jump may mean arthritis.
- **Dental disease:** Bad breath and chewing changes can signal painful oral disease.
- **Lumps and bumps:** New, growing, bleeding, or irritated masses should be documented.
- **Cognitive change:** Night waking, confusion, pacing, or house soiling can occur in senior dogs.
- **Organ screening:** Blood and urine testing can detect kidney, liver, endocrine, or metabolic changes.

## What can I safely do at home right now?

- **Make a change list:** Write down mobility, appetite, thirst, urination, cough, weight, and behavior changes.
- **Photograph lumps:** Track size, location, color, and growth rate.
- **Bring medications:** Include supplements, preventives, and any leftover drugs.
- **Ask about pain:** Do not assume slowing down is only age.
- **Review lab screening:** Ask whether blood work, urine testing, or blood pressure checks are appropriate.

## When is this an emergency?

Go to an emergency veterinary clinic now if you notice:

- Collapse, trouble breathing, seizures, or pale gums.
- Rapid belly swelling, unproductive retching, or severe pain.
- Not eating, repeated vomiting, or severe diarrhea.
- Sudden inability to walk or severe weakness.
- Bleeding mass, rapidly growing lump, or major behavior change.

## What will my veterinarian check?

Your veterinarian may assess body condition, mouth, heart, lungs, joints, lumps, neurologic status, cognition, blood work, urine, and blood pressure.

## How can I reduce the risk next time?

Use regular senior exams to catch pain, dental disease, organ changes, and weight shifts before they become crises.

## Related veterinary guides

- [Senior Cat Checkup: What Should Be Included?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-care/senior-cat-checkup)
- [Pet Dental Cleaning: What Should Owners Know?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/pet-dental-cleaning)
- [How To Brush a Dog's Teeth Safely](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/how-to-brush-dog-teeth)
- [How To Brush a Cat's Teeth Safely](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/how-to-brush-cat-teeth)

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Dog Allergic Reaction: Comprehensive Veterinary Reference Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-care/dog-allergic-reaction)
* [Puppy Socialization and Preventive Behavior: Early Training and Handling](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-care/puppy-socialization-preventive-behavior)
* [Dog Boarding 101: How to Choose the Best Facility for Your Pet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-care/dog-boarding-guide)


## References

- [AAHA - Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats](https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats.pdf)
- [AAHA/AVMA - Preventive Healthcare Guidelines for Dogs and Cats](https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/preventive-healthcare/aaha-preventive-healthcare-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats.pdf)

*Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, does not establish a vet-client-patient relationship, and should not replace an in-person evaluation by a licensed veterinarian.*