Just like humans, dogs get more prone to health problems as they get older. Knowing the symptoms of these health problems can be important as a dog owner so that you can seek treatment. After all, dogs can’t vocalise what is wrong with them. This post details some of the common health problems that dogs experience in older age and how to detect them. It also offers a few tips on how to prevent these health problems and how to manage them.
This is a collaborative post.
Arthritis
Almost a quarter of dogs are diagnosed with arthritis in their lifetime. This is when one or more joints start to deteriorate. Stiffness, limping, joint licking, refusal to run, reluctance to jump or reluctance to climb stairs are all potential signs that your furry friend may have arthritis. Certain breeds are more susceptible to arthritis. It also tends to affect most overweight dogs. Treating arthritis in dogs is not always possible, however looking into joint care supplements for dogs and prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and pain.
Dental problems
Dental problems affect almost all dogs at some point in their life, but are most common in older dogs. Bad breath and difficulty eating are common signs that a dog has dental issues. Poor dental hygiene is the cause of this. Most owners do not brush their dogs’ teeth, although it is greatly advised. Dental chew sticks are a more popular alternative that can help to get rid of plaque and prevent infection. Regular vet appointments can also be a chance to check up on dental hygiene and get dogs’ teeth professionally cleaned. During these visits, any dental procedures that need doing can also be scheduled if necessary.
Vision/hearing loss
Dogs can also lose their sight and hearing as they get older. A dog with eyesight issues may become clumsy or may develop visible cataracts on the eyes. A dog with hearing issues may fail to respond to their name or generally seem less alert. Treatments like cataract surgery may be possible for these conditions, but sometimes dogs have to just learn to adapt to them (it’s unlikely your dog will want to wear glasses or a hearing aid).
Organ-related diseases
Heart disease and kidney disease are another common health problem in older dogs. If your dog is getting tired and out of breath easily, they may have heart disease. Increased thirst and urine could meanwhile be a kidney problem. Although difficult to treat, these health problems can be effectively managed if caught early – dietary changes, medication and procedures can be prescribed to stop the disease progressing.
DementiaA lot of people don’t realise that dogs can get dementia. In fact, it’s one of the most common health problems in older dogs. Your dog may be experiencing dementia if their behaviour has changed or they’ve started forgetting commands or no longer react to familiar people. Some dogs can start to become more aggressive, while others can become withdrawn and docile. As an owner, you will know if they are not acting themselves. As you can imagine, there is no treatment for doggy dementia, however keeping them as comfortable as they can will reduce stress.