Senior dog checklist

Senior Dog Quality of Life Checklist

Older dogs often change slowly. A weekly checklist can make small shifts easier to notice, especially before a vet visit or a 7-day follow-up.

CHECKLIST

What to notice this week

  • 1Comfort: signs of soreness, restlessness, panting, or trouble settling.
  • 2Appetite: whether meals, treats, and usual interest in food have changed.
  • 3Water: drinking much more, much less, or at unusual times.
  • 4Bathroom habits: accidents, straining, diarrhea, constipation, or changed routines.
  • 5Mobility: stairs, standing up, slipping, walks, car rides, and favorite resting spots.
  • 6Mood and interest: greeting, play, attention, hiding, or wanting more quiet.
  • 7Good days vs. hard days: whether the week felt mostly steady, mixed, or harder than before.

NOTES

How to make the notes useful

  • Use the same categories each week so the comparison is consistent.
  • Write down examples, not just scores: "needed help standing twice" is more useful than "worse".
  • Bring the pattern to your veterinarian instead of trying to interpret it alone.
  • This guide is not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. It is a way to organize observations before talking with a licensed veterinarian.

VET QUESTIONS

  1. 1Which changes are most important for us to track between visits?
  2. 2What mobility or comfort changes would make you want to see my dog sooner?
  3. 3Are there weight, appetite, water, or bathroom patterns we should watch closely?
  4. 4Would a 7-day follow-up note help you understand the trend?

NEXT STEP

Turn these notes into a printable quality-of-life report and a 7-day follow-up journal. The calculator uses the same observation-first approach.

Start the quality-of-life calculator

How often should I check my senior dog quality of life?

A weekly check-in is a practical rhythm for many families. If your dog changes suddenly or seems distressed, contact a veterinarian sooner.

Is a quality-of-life checklist a diagnosis?

No. A checklist can organize what you notice, but health decisions should be made with a licensed veterinarian.

Please note: Quality-of-life scales are a starting point for observation and conversation, not a medical assessment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s health.