Senior dogs can live happy, healthy lives. However, as our canine companions age, we are sure to notice some health changes. Owners tend to observe an overall "slowing down," lower endurance when exercising, decreased agility and mobility, and sometimes personality changes. Some dogs become less enthusiastic about toys, games and/or food. Dogs may appear confused, disoriented or less responsive than they were in their youth. They may even urinate or defecate in the house. These signs are... not necessarily the result of the aging itself; instead, they may be symptoms of various health issues. Learn about age-associated diseases and disorders now so you can care for your senior dog properly. The following health problems are commonly associated with geriatric dogs:
01 of 09
Just like people, many dogs develop arthritis as they age. The most common form of arthritis seen in aging dogs is Osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease. This condition affects the weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, elbows, shoulders), causing loss of lubricating fluids, wearing away of cartilage, and abnormal bone growth. These joint changes result in pain, stiffness and decreased the range of motion. Osteoarthritis is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. Though there... is no cure, these are treatments that can slow progression and ease the pain.
02 of 09
Aging takes a toll on the kidneys, so it is common for older dogs to develop kidney disease. The chronic kidney (renal) disease is usually a gradual process that begins as renal insufficiency and progresses to full renal failure. There is no cure for this disease, but there are fortunately many ways to treat it, prolonging quality and quantity of life. The sooner kidney disease is caught, the more that can be done to slow the progression. Early kidney changes may be picked up on routine blood... work, which is why it is so important for your senior dog to visit the vet every six months. Signs of kidney disease include increased thirst and/or urination, loss of appetite, nausea, and lethargy.
03 of 09
It is common for older dogs to gradually lose their hearing. Nerve degeneration in older dogs typically results in a gradual hearing loss. Nothing can be done to stop the deafness, but much can be done to help the dog adapt. Many owners will at first mistake hearing loss for dementia, as dogs may display a similar type of confusion. Fortunately, deafness in dogs is fairly easy to handle. Because it doesn't happen overnight, it gives you time to adapt. Try specific methods for deaf dog... training, like the use of hand signals. Soon, you will find that the hearing loss hardly affects your dog's day-to-day life.
04 of 09
Like deafness, many older dogs experience a gradual loss of vision. This is usually due to degenerative changes in the eye but can be caused by an eye disease like cataracts. If you think your dog is going blind, be sure to visit your vet. If the blindness is simply due to old age, nothing can be done to reverse it. Fortunately, dogs rely less on their eyesight than you may think. Just be sure to take it slow with your dog, keep him on a leash at all times if outdoors, and try to avoid moving... around the furniture in your house. Once your dog knows the layout, he will probably get around well using his other senses.Continue to 5 of 9 below.
05 of 09
Dogs can developmental changes as they age that are similar to dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in humans. The signs are subtle at first but can become very severe, resulting in poor quality of life. Signs of dementia in dogs include disorientation, confusion, pacing/wandering, standing in corners as if lost, going to the wrong side of an opening door, vocalization, withdrawal/not interacting with family as much, urinary/fecal accidents, change in sleeping patterns, restlessness and more.... Many of these can be symptoms of other diseases, so be sure to see your vet. There is no cure for dementia or cognitive dysfunction, but there are medications and supplements that may help in some cases.
06 of 09
Unfortunately, cancer is all too common in dogs. Though younger pets can get cancer, it is seen much more frequently in older pets. Different cancers cause different symptoms, so it can be easy to dismiss certain signs as simple old age changes. This is why routine wellness screening with your vet is so important. An exam, lab work or diagnostic imaging can easily pick up on something unseen by the naked eye. Cancer treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage. The sooner... it is caught, the better the chance of survival.
07 of 09
Growths and Tumors
Older dogs tend to get various lumps and bumps. These should be checked by a vet to rule out cancer. Fortunately, many growths are benign warts, moles or fatty tumors. Generally, they will not need to be surgically removed unless they are bothering the dog.
08 of 09
Old age changes to the organs, muscles, and nerves in the body can make it harder for your dog to "hold it" the way he used to. Incontinence can be a sign of many different diseases, so it is essential to have your vet rule some things out. If there are no other health problems found, you will simply need to adjust your schedule to let your dog out for "potty breaks" more often.Continue to 9 of 9 below.
09 of 09
A dog can become overweight at any age, but the effects of aging make weight gain more likely in seniors. Obesity can cause or complicate heath problems like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. To prevent obesity in older dogs, decrease food amount as your dog slows down. Also, make sure to keep up with exercise. If endurance is an issue, consider going for multiple short walks in a day rather than one or two very long walks.