Senior pets often change gradually. A dog may take longer to stand up, a cat may groom one area less, or appetite may shift just enough that the pattern is easy to miss. A weekly home check helps you notice trends without turning every day into a medical inspection.
Track what changed from normal
- Eating speed and interest in food.
- Water intake and litter box or potty patterns.
- Stairs, jumping, standing, and recovery after walks.
- Coat condition, grooming, skin odor, and new lumps.
- Sleep, hiding, social behavior, and breathing effort.
Use photos and short notes
A photo of a skin spot, stool change, or posture issue is often more useful than memory. Keep notes brief: date, what changed, how long it lasted, and whether it is improving.
Do not wait on urgent signs
Trouble breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, severe pain, sudden weakness, or major behavior change should prompt veterinary contact rather than another week of observation.
