Senior Dog Wellness Checklist
A structured checklist of screening tests, at-home checks, and lifestyle pillars for dogs aged 7+.
What is Senior Dog Wellness Checklist?
Consistent, proactive care makes a bigger difference in a senior dog's quality of life than any single intervention. This checklist covers what to do at the vet, what to track at home, and the lifestyle pillars that matter most.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- At the vet twice yearly: full physical, bloodwork (CBC, chemistry, T4, SDMA), urinalysis, blood pressure
- Annually: chest X-rays for at-risk breeds, dental exam and cleaning as indicated, faecal test
- At home monthly: weigh in, body condition score, sleeping respiratory rate, lump check head-to-tail
- Daily: notice any changes to appetite, thirst, energy, or toileting
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- All senior dogs benefit; higher stakes for at-risk breeds
- Overweight dogs benefit disproportionately from this checklist
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: book your first senior wellness visit if your dog is 7+ and hasn't had one this year.
- Seek urgent care if: any 'yellow flag' from the at-home checks should prompt a call.
Diagnosis and management
The five lifestyle pillars: (1) maintain a lean body condition (you should easily feel ribs), (2) daily low-impact movement, (3) consistent dental care, (4) age-appropriate nutrition, (5) mental enrichment. Small, sustained habits beat sporadic big efforts.