Dog health – three reasons to trust your instincts

If you notice your dog limping, taking longer to get up after rest or showing signs of being more lethargic or snappy than usual, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup with your vet.

Early intervention with treatments like pain-relief medications or glucosamine supplements can ease arthritis symptoms in senior dogs and help them enjoy their golden years with less discomfort.

When it comes to senior dog health, it's common for lumps to develop on the skin, and most of the time they’re nothing to worry about. However, if something about the lump doesn’t seem quite right or your instincts are telling you to take a closer look, it’s important to lean into your gut feeling.

In some cases, your dog’s lymph nodes (the glands found both inside and on the surface of their body) could become swollen, forming small lumps under the skin, typically around the neck, belly or behind the legs. These lumps might point to something more serious, such as canine lymphoma, a type of cancer that accounts for up to 20% of all cancer cases in dogs over the age of 10.

This cancer, like many others, is caused by cell mutations, and age and genetics can play a role. Some dog breeds, like Chow Chows, Golden Retrievers and Basset Hounds, are more prone to it than others. While lymphoma is one of the more common cancers affecting older dogs, the good news is that it’s highly treatable if caught early.

If you notice a lump or swelling, schedule a vet checkup and ask your vet to show you where your dog’s lymph nodes are during the examination. Typically, they’ll guide you on how best to feel for lumps around your dog’s neck, as well as under the front legs, in the belly area and behind the back legs.

Home grooming sessions are an excellent opportunity to check your dog’s glands regularly, so you can become familiar with their body and spot any changes as soon as they appear. If you have Petplan dog insurance, you can video chat for free with an expert. Simply log into your My Petplan account to get personalised advice on how to perform a home health check for your dog.

Glaucoma is a serious senior dog health condition that affects the pressure inside your dog’s eyes. The tricky part is that the symptoms can be subtle and easy to miss at first; you might notice small changes like a slightly dilated pupil, mild redness or your dog squinting.

As the pressure builds, your dog may also start pawing at their face, trying to soothe the discomfort. Since dogs often rely on their other healthy eye, they may not show obvious signs, making it harder for you to spot the issue early on.

If it’s not caught in time, glaucoma can have serious consequences and lead to blindness. It can also affect both eyes. However, when it’s detected early, the damage can often be slowed or even prevented.

Taking just a couple of minutes each day to check your senior dog’s eyes can help you spot any changes before they become a bigger issue.

If you notice any new ocular issues in your senior dog, make sure to book a visit to your vet to have it checked out immediately. It’s far better to err on the side of caution, and the sooner you act, the more likely you are to help preserve your dog’s sight.