Appetite
Most dogs are fairly predictable eaters. Skipping one meal happens; going off food for a day or more is worth attention.
My Dog
Know what's normal for your dog
You'll notice a change long before anyone else does. That's genuinely valuable.
You don't need to examine your dog. You just need a rough sense of their normal — how much they eat, drink, move and sleep.
When something changes, being able to say 'this started on Tuesday' helps your vet enormously.
Drinking
A clear increase or decrease in drinking is one of the more useful early signs there is. If you're unsure, measure what goes in the bowl for a couple of days.
Energy
Slowing down isn't only age. Reluctance on stairs, stiffness after resting or less interest in walks is often discomfort.
Toilet habits
Note changes in frequency, straining, or loose stools that last more than a day. Not a pleasant topic, but a useful one.
Weight and coat
Monthly weight, monthly hands-on check. Coat quality often changes before anything else does.
Behaviour
Hiding, clinginess, irritability or restlessness at night can all be signs of pain rather than mood.
Based on guidance from
- American Animal Hospital Association — Life stage and preventive care guidelines
Keep going