Understanding what to look for at every age helps you catch issues before they become crises.
Puppy: 0-1 Year
Watch for Parvovirus, Distemper, and intestinal parasites. Call the vet immediately for bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or extreme lethargy.
Adult: 1-7 Years
Watch for obesity, dental disease, and skin allergies, also called atopy. Call the vet immediately for sudden changes in thirst or urination, or hot spots that will not heal.
Senior: 7+ Years
Watch for arthritis, kidney or liver disease, and cognitive dysfunction. Call the vet immediately for difficulty getting up, disorientation, or unexplained weight loss.
Pro Tip: For seniors, slowing down is not just aging. It is often managed pain. Do not let them suffer in silence.