A complete guide to senior dog health: Symptoms, signs and what they mean

Most owners of senior dogs have worried about their pet at some time or another. After all, we understand it can be hard to know the difference between normal signs of aging in dogs and something more concerning.
 
Pet parents commonly report issues like their elderly dog panting, shaking, coughing, or walking in circles. But when should you worry about your senior dog’s symptoms?
 
We’ve put together this complete guide to senior dog health problems, answering questions like ‘how to tell if your old dog is in pain?’ and what’s considered ‘excessive panting in senior dogs?’
Read on to find out more about old dog behaviour changes and much more!

When is a dog considered a senior?

The age at which a dog enters their senior years varies between breeds, with size being the key factor. Body size has been proven to play a significant role in lifespan for dogs, with smaller breeds ageing much more slowly than larger ones. Learn more about what age a dog becomes 'senior'.
 
This means small dogs may not be considered senior until they are 10 or 11 years old, whereas a giant dog may be senior by the time they are only 5 or 6 years old.
 
This is important to bear in mind when considering senior dog health problems, as well as old dog behaviour changes. Your dog’s size will heavily dictate when these issues may start to develop.

Panting and breathing changes in older dogs

Why is my elderly dog panting? An increase in panting or changes in breathing patterns are common concerns for owners of senior dogs. But knowing what needs urgent attention or not is important.

Normal vs excessive panting

Panting is your dog’s way of cooling down, so most dogs will do this after exercise or when they’re excited. Age-related changes may cause a mild, gradual increase in panting, but this shouldn’t be particularly noticeable.

If your dog has started panting at times when you wouldn’t expect it, like at rest, during the night, or when the weather is cool, then this is a sign that you should get them checked over.

What causes excessive panting in senior dogs?

Some common causes of increased elderly dog panting include –

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Heart or respiratory issues
• Cushing’s disease (a hormonal condition causing overproduction of steroid hormones)
• Medication side effects
• Obesity 
  

Other factors can contribute to excessive panting or make underlying respiratory issues worse, including brachycephalic obstructive air disorder (BOAS) seen in flat-faced breeds.

Seek urgent veterinary advice if your dog is struggling for breath, seems distressed, or is collapsed. This is an emergency.  

Senior dog coughing: What to look for

If your senior dog is coughing, this can be a sign of an underlying health issue, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as rapid or more laboured breathing patterns. While an occasional cough is usually nothing to worry about, regular coughing fits or a sudden increase in coughing frequency should be investigated.

Why is my senior dog coughing?

Coughing in elderly dogs could be due to a number of things, which is why a vet examination is important. Common causes of coughing include –

• Chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways
• Tracheal collapse – a condition affecting the windpipe, mainly affecting small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers
• Laryngeal paralysis – this is more common in larger breeds, especially Labrador Retrievers
• Heart failure – fluid buildup in the lungs and an enlarged heart pressing against the airways can cause coughing in affected dogs
• Infections – Infectious diseases like kennel cough, pneumonia, or lungworm could cause coughing
• Tumours – while less common than some of the other conditions mentioned, tumours in the lungs could cause a cough

If your dog has developed a new cough, especially if they are showing other concerning symptoms like lethargy, breathing difficulty, or weight loss, then you must contact a vet for urgent advice.

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Shaking, trembling, and muscle twitching

Let’s take a close look at each of these issues in turn -

Why is my senior dog shaking?

General body shaking affects the whole dog, so it may appear like they are trembling or shivering. A senior dog shaking could be a sign they are cold, anxious, excited, in pain, or suffering from low blood sugar. Neurological decline, toxin ingestion, or muscle weakness may also be to blame. It’s important to look at the context of the situation for clues. If your dog’s shaking is sudden and violent in onset, or if it’s becoming a habit and increasing in intensity over time, then this should be explored with your vet.

Senior dog trembling: Causes

Owners commonly report senior dog trembling or muscle twitching, which is localised to just one area of the body, like a leg. It can happen at random, or there may be a trigger, like exercise.

This can happen due to pain (e.g., from arthritis), neurological issues, or muscle weakness. Trembling or twitching affecting the head could be a sign of a partial or focal seizure. Again, your vet will be able to help explore the issue for you.

Dog chattering teeth: What it means in older dogs

Teeth chattering may occur in senior dogs due to pain, dental issues, or neurological problems. It’s worth noting that some dogs will chatter their teeth occasionally when sniffing and detecting pheromones, which is normal behaviour. However, if this is new for your dog, then it should be investigated, especially if it is increasing in frequency or severity.
 
When your elderly dog is shaking, trembling, or teeth chattering, it may be worth taking a video to show your vet. This can be helpful as these behaviours are often intermittent, and your dog may not do them during their vet examination.

Seizures in senior dogs

We understand that it can be extremely worrying if your dog experiences a seizure. Most people associate senior dogs and seizures with brain tumours, and while there is a chance it’s this, there are many other possible causes too.
 
Any time a dog experiences their first seizure, or if your dog has a cluster of multiple seizures, an urgent trip to the vets is needed.

What causes seizures in older dogs?

There are several different things that may cause seizures in older dogs –

• Brain tumour
• Kidney or liver disease
• Low blood sugar
• Toxin ingestion
• Severe infection or inflammation
• Idiopathic epilepsy (though less likely to be first diagnosed in an older dog) 
  

A vet visit is needed to work out the underlying cause and the best possible treatment options.

What to do if your senior dog has a seizure

If your dog is having a seizure, try to keep calm. Turn the lights off and avoid loud noises to reduce environmental stimulation. Move any dangerous objects or furniture away from your pet so that they don’t injure themselves. Try to monitor the length of the seizure, anything over five minutes needs urgent veterinary help.

After a seizure: Next steps

If this is your dog’s first seizure, and they have no known history of seizure episodes, then you need to get your pet examined by a vet. Many dogs experience a post-ictal period following a seizure, where they seem a bit tired, spaced out, or quieter than normal.

Your vet will discuss diagnostics and possible treatment options with you. Any dog that has cluster seizures, defined as multiple seizures in a 24-hour period, will also need an urgent vet visit.

Walking in circles and balance problems

An elderly dog walking in circles or losing their balance can be an alarming sight for unsuspecting pet parents.
 
Pet parents often assume their dog has had a stroke, but in most cases, these symptoms are caused by idiopathic vestibular disease. While signs may look severe, the majority of dogs will improve within 72 hours, and most will be completely recovered within a couple of weeks.

Vestibular disease in dogs

The vestibular system is responsible for balance and has sensors in the inner and middle ear as well as the brain stem. If there is a malfunction, affected dogs can circle in one direction, lose their balance, develop a head tilt, have rapid eye movements, and experience nausea or vomiting. Vestibular disease can occur due to –

• An inner ear infection
• Toxicity
• Trauma or injury
• A tumour
• Idiopathic – cause unknown
  

In most cases, vestibular disease is idiopathic, meaning that no underlying cause is found. A vet exam is essential to rule out other problems, but in many cases, dogs improve with minimal medical treatment.
 
A small percentage of dogs may have a head tilt that doesn’t completely resolve, though this is usually a cosmetic issue and doesn’t seem to affect their quality of life.

Canine cognitive dysfunction

Another common cause of circling in senior dogs is canine cognitive dysfunction (CDS). This condition is also referred to as ‘doggy dementia,’ and it is like Alzheimer’s that we see in people. This is an incurable and progressive condition, with affected dogs experiencing a gradual decline in brain function. This can lead to symptoms like –

• Aimless circling
• Increased vocalisation
• Pacing around
• Confusion
• Forgetting basic training commands
• Toileting in the house
  

While there is no cure for this condition, it can often be managed through medication, supplements, a few adjustments in the house, and by maintaining a consistent daily routine.

Other causes of circling behaviour

Idiopathic vestibular disease and CDS are the most common reasons for circling in senior dogs, but other possible causes include –
 
Brain tumour - A problem more common in older dogs than younger ones. Pressure develops on the brain from a space-occupying tumour. As well as circling, other signs can include behaviour changes, seizures, and sudden vision loss.

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) - Strokes are far less common in dogs than in humans, but they can occur.  Strokes are caused by a blood vessel in the brain that becomes blocked or ruptures, disrupting the blood supply to brain tissue. Strokes are sudden in onset, with other neurological symptoms such as behavioural changes, weakness on one side, and seizures.

Encephalitis or meningitis — Inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, which may be accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, and extreme lethargy.

Severe pain or discomfort — Dogs in significant pain (e.g., spinal or abdominal) may circle or pace. Other signs to watch out for alongside circling include whimpering, hunched posture, and appetite changes.

If your dog has started circling for the first time, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like distress, seizures, extreme lethargy, or one-sided weakness, you must call a vet for urgent advice.

Unusual eating behaviour — why is my senior dog eating dirt?

Has your elderly dog started eating dirt? Eating dirt or other non-food items is referred to as pica. Pica can have various underlying causes, including - 

• Nutritional deficiency from a poor diet
• Boredom
• Cognitive decline
• Digestive issues causing nausea or malabsorption of nutrients
• Learned behaviour
  

If this behaviour is new, your dog will need a vet check to rule out deficiencies or cognitive decline, as well as a dietary review. Increased environmental enrichment may also be required to ensure they aren’t bored or anxious.

Other common signs of ageing to watch for

It can be tricky to know what the normal signs of aging in dogs are and what could be more serious. Here’s a brief overview to help you -

• Weight changes – An elderly dog should maintain a consistent weight. If your pet is losing or gaining, then this should be addressed. Read more about what to do if your senior dog is losing weight. 
• Increased thirst/urination – Changes in thirst and urination could indicate underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, or endocrine disorders like Cushing’s disease. These are all very common in senior pets, and your vet will be able to suggest diagnostics and treatment to help with management.
• Changes in sleep patterns – In elderly dogs, sleep can be affected by pain and cognitive function. If your dog is sleeping more or less than usual, book a vet appointment.
• Lumps and bumps – These are frequently found in older pets, but each new lump should be checked by your vet. Many are benign, such as lipomas or small wart-like growths, but others could be more sinister.
• Vision/hearing loss – A gradual decline in vision and hearing is common in elderly pets. But a sudden change, especially if your pet appears distressed, needs urgent attention.
• Changes in coat quality – A greying muzzle is normal in senior pets, but their coat should still be in reasonably good quality with minimal scurf. Hair loss, skin inflammation, excessive dandruff, and itchiness are not normal.
• Changes in appetite – A senior dog should still have a keen interest in food. Eating less than usual can be a sign of an underlying health issue, pain, or behavioural concern.
• Dental issues – Dental disease is very common in senior pets but shouldn’t be considered normal. Bad breath, excessive amounts of tartar, gum inflammation and loose teeth are all signs that need veterinary attention.

When to take your senior dog to the vet

We’ve shared a lot of information with you, so let’s try to summarise things! Broadly speaking symptoms that creep on gradually can usually wait for a routine appointment, whereas sudden, severe or distressing signs need urgent attention.
 
Here’s our at-a-glance guide for when to worry about senior dog symptoms -

Seek emergency/same-day vet care

• Seizures
• Collapse
• Severe breathing difficulty
• One-sided weakness
• Severe lethargy
• Toxin ingestion
• Signs of distress or pain
• Severe, sudden onset shaking, trembling, or circling
• Complete loss of appetite
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
  

Book a routine appointment for

• Gradual behavioural changes
• Mild trembling, shaking, or jaw chattering
• Lumps or bumps that don’t appear to be causing pain
• Changes in coat quality
• Intermittent loose stools
• A gradual increase in thirst or urination
• A cough or panting that is steadily increasing in frequency
• Weight changes
• A slow progression of mobility issues, like difficulty jumping up, stiffness, or reduced exercise tolerance
• Signs of dental disease
• Eating dirt or non-food items 

If you’re still unsure how to tell if your old dog is in pain, then call your vet or out of hours provider. They will be able to triage things and advise you on the best course of action.

Summary

The good news is that many senior dog symptoms are manageable with the right support and early action. Hopefully, our guide has helped answer some of your frequently asked questions but remember that it shouldn’t be a replacement for regular vet check-ups. Senior dog health problems can be detected sooner and managed more effectively if your pet attends their routine exams.
 
As loyal family members, senior dogs deserve the best possible care. At YuMove, we are passionate about pets of all ages but recognise that senior animals often benefit from a little extra support, especially when it comes to joint mobility and everyday comfort.

If you’re concerned about anything in this article, or you think your dog needs emergency treatment, then call your vet or out-of-hours provider now for urgent advice.