Senior Pet Symptom Checklist - Dog & Cat Health Warning Signs

⚠️ Reminder: This checklist is for educational reference only. If your pet is in obvious distress, vomiting blood, unable to breathe, or collapsed — call your vet or emergency animal hospital immediately without waiting.

🔴 Urgent — See a vet today or go to emergency care

Difficulty breathing / labored breathing

Open-mouth breathing in cats, rapid shallow breathing, blue-tinged gums

Collapse or inability to stand / walk

Sudden weakness, hind-end paralysis, inability to rise

Seizures or sudden loss of consciousness

Convulsions, unresponsiveness, paddling limbs

Bloated / distended abdomen (especially dogs)

Rapid swelling of the belly, retching without vomiting — possible GDV emergency

Blood in vomit, stool, or urine

Bright red blood or dark tarry stools

Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxin

Known or suspected exposure to toxic plants, foods, or chemicals

🟠 Schedule a vet visit this week

Significant weight loss or gain (past 1–2 months)

More than 10% change without diet change

Dramatically increased or decreased thirst / urination

May indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing's

Loss of appetite for more than 2 days

Especially serious in cats (hepatic lipidosis risk)

Noticeable limping or reluctance to move

Joint pain, arthritis, or possible injury

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (more than 24 hours)

Risk of dehydration, especially in senior pets

New lumps, bumps, or skin changes

Any fast-growing, ulcerated, or painful mass

Coughing or gagging that persists more than a few days

Could indicate heart disease, respiratory infection, or tracheal issues

🟡 Monitor closely — mention at next checkup

Reduced activity or energy levels

Less interested in play, shorter walks, sleeping more than usual

Bad breath or drooling more than usual

Dental disease is very common and painful in senior pets

Cloudy eyes or apparent vision changes

Cataracts, nuclear sclerosis, or glaucoma in aging pets

Confusion, disorientation, or unusual behavior changes

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (pet dementia) becomes more common after age 9–10

Coat changes — dullness, thinning, or excessive shedding

May indicate nutritional deficiency, hormonal change, or skin condition

Reduced grooming (cats) or excessive grooming / licking one area

Both can signal pain, anxiety, or skin problems

🚨 Seek Emergency Care Now

Your pet is showing one or more urgent symptoms. Please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately — do not wait.

📅 Schedule a Vet Visit This Week

Your pet has symptoms that warrant professional evaluation soon. These are not necessarily emergencies but should not be left unaddressed for long.

👁️ Monitor and Mention at Next Checkup

Your pet has some mild symptoms worth keeping an eye on. Document when they started and any changes. Bring this up at your next scheduled vet visit.

✅ No Concerning Symptoms Checked

Great! No warning signs were selected. Continue with regular preventive vet checkups — twice yearly is recommended for senior pets (7+ years).