In 2024 the University of Liverpool surveyed over 600 owners and over 300 vet professionals in the UK. 78% of owners thought slowing down on walks was just ageing. Most owners felt one visit a year was enough; most vets advised every six months.
BSAVAMy old dog is sick (coughing, stroke, arthritis, gut problems). I'm so worried. How do I care for them?
This needs your vet’s judgement. This page only shares other owners’ experiences and public information. It is not medical advice.
What people do around the world
「My old dog has that worrying cough again.」
Oct 2026Original post・Bluesky
Watch for changes in appetite, drinking, coughing and getting up
BSAVA PetSavers toolkit for ageing dogs
BSAVA PetSavers「After a year of vet visits for back pain, my dog's hind legs suddenly gave out and he's incontinent. I doubt the vet's care.」
Oct 2026Original post・Yahoo!知恵袋
Senior pets see a vet at least twice a year
AVMA brochure for owners
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)「My old dog has arthritis but is doing well lately, so we stayed at a dog-friendly hotel together.」
Oct 2026Original post・Ameba
Contact the vet about stiff walking, trouble getting up, or sudden weight change
AVMA brochure for owners
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)「My 13-year-8-month-old dog has heart disease. I worry grooming before its heart checkup is too much for it.」
Oct 2026Original post・Yahoo!知恵袋
Have a health check at the vet once or twice a year
Fukuoka City Veterinary Medical Association
一般社団法人 福岡市獣医師会「I care for two senior dogs, and I'm worried the diarrhea will come back, but the head tilt is slowly getting better.」
Oct 2026Original post・FC2
Watch their walking, drooling, bad breath and coughing
Fukuoka City Veterinary Medical Association
一般社団法人 福岡市獣医師会「My old dog has heart disease, so now I take them for walks in a stroller.」
Oct 2026Original post・brunch
「Suddenly my dog can't climb stairs and walks unsteadily. I wonder how long he can last without treatment.」
Oct 2026
「My 12-and-a-half-year-old dog's six-month checkup: the tumor hasn't grown, and blood and urine tests look good.」
Oct 2026
「This is my dog's third pancreas problem this year, and I worry the end is near.」
Oct 2026
Updated 29 Oct 2026.