Symptoms to check

One symptom per guide, with the likely causes ranked by urgency, what to check at home and the signs that mean you call a vet now.

• Senior Dog Not Eating: When to Wait and When to Call

  A senior dog that stops eating needs a vet call, because appetite loss signals illness. WSAVA recommends other nutritional support when intake has been inadequate for 3 to 5 days, home days included, and no recovery is expected (WSAVA, 2011). Call the same day if the dog also vomits, is weak or refuses water; otherwise call within 24 hours.

• Old Dog Panting at Night: Causes and a Breathing-Rate Check

  Night panting in an old dog has several causes: pain, heart disease, Cushing's disease, cognitive decline or heat. One number you can take at home is the sleeping breathing rate. In 114 healthy dogs, no average topped 23 breaths a minute (Research in Veterinary Science, 2012). If it stays above 30, call your vet.

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