BSAVA PetSavers toolkit aims to help vets and pet owners care for senior dogs. 

Following research undertaken by the University of Liverpool, BSAVA PetSavers has launched the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT). The toolkit is designed to assist veterinary surgeons and pet owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.

The BSAVA PetSavers-funded study, ‘Old Age Pets (OAP) research project’ revealed that many pet owners find it difficult to identify between ‘normal’ age-related changes, and signs that could indicate possible diseases. The ACT aims to assist pet owners identify changes that would benefit from veterinary advice and treatment.

The ACT 40 page leaflet includes information about more common health problems affecting older dogs, as well as a checklist for pet owners to work through as part of a home triage. Answers of ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ are coded using a traffic light system: green, amber and red. For answers coded amber or red, pet owners are encouraged to seek guidance from their veterinary practice.

Questions on the checklist cover some of the main reasons why senior dogs attend veterinary appointments, and are grouped into topics including ‘dental', ‘mobility', ‘weight changes’, ‘behaviour’, and ‘quality of life’. Concerns regarding ‘end of life’ are covered in a separate section.

To monitor their dog’s health, pet owners are encouraged to go through the checklist at least every six months, keeping a note of the answers for future comparison.

Professor Carri Westgarth from the University of Liverpool said: “We conducted this research project kindly funded by BSAVA PetSavers in order to help owners and veterinary professionals provide great care for our loved pets as they age.

“Our investigations uncovered common physical and behavioural signs in dogs that owners observe and for which support from the veterinary practice would be beneficial. Our simple evidence-based checklist is designed to engage owners and importantly stimulate efficient discussion with their veterinary team.”

UK veterinary practices are able to download digital copies of the ACT leaflet, as well as an accompanying poster to display in waiting rooms. Printed copies are also available to order.

A number of articles aimed to support veterinary professionals care for senior dogs can be viewed on the BSAVA website.

Image (C) BSAVA PetSavers