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COMMON HEALTH ISSUES IN OLDER DOGS
How to Support Your Senior Dog
As a veterinarian for more than 30 years, I’ve cared for and supported many wonderful dogs as they transitioned from vibrant puppies to wise senior citizens. And, although their eyes still gleamed with mischief, their bodies and minds had undeniably changed with age. Sadly, such changes are often accompanied by various age-related health issues. Understanding these issues and recognizing their earliest signs can be critical in determining how your dog lives out their golden years.
5 Common Health Issues in Older Dogs
Let’s dive into some of the most common health issues in older dogs and explain how you will know when to seek veterinary care.
1: ARTHRITIS
As dogs age, wear and tear on their joints can lead to chronic inflammation that damages the smooth cartilage at the ends of each bone. Movement becomes painful and restricted as the body replaces this cartilage with bony tissue. Arthritis can affect any joint in your dog’s body, including their spine. However, early intervention—including inflammation reduction, pain management, and certain lifestyle changes—can slow disease progression and give your dog a good quality of life. Initial warning signs may include stiffness, lameness or favoring a specific limb, and hesitation to jump up or down or climb stairs. Some dogs may lick at a painful joint, which can be mistaken for allergies.
2: DENTAL DISEASE
Like us, dogs can suffer from dental, or periodontal disease (i.e., inflammation and infection of the gums and tooth structures). Unlike us, dental disease in senior dogs can be extreme, because many dogs don’t receive routine dental cleanings under anesthesia or at-home oral care. Left unchecked, plaque bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect far-away organs, including the heart and kidneys. Therefore, pay attention to early signs, including bad breath, difficulty chewing, facial swelling or pawing, red and irritated gums (i.e., gingivitis), and visible tartar. Many dogs will continue eating despite chronic pain, so don’t rely on your dog’s appetite to measure their discomfort.
3: COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
Also known as “doggy dementia,” cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and caused by plaque-like deposits in the brain. Sadly, CDS is a progressive and incurable disease, and affected dogs become increasingly disoriented and confused, and quality of life is reduced. While no treatment is available, certain proactive measures may slow disease progression.
Signs, which are initially mild and may be dismissed as “old dog behavior,” include sleep pattern changes, increased isolation or asocial behavior, wandering or getting lost in familiar places, loss of house training, and personality changes, such as anxiety or aggression.
4: KIDNEY DISEASE
For most of your dog’s life, the kidneys are hard-working organs that continuously filter the blood, maintain homeostasis (i.e., internal balance), and help produce red blood cells. As dogs age, their kidneys may start to deteriorate, leading to toxic changes in their internal environment. Usually, visible signs (e.g., increased thirst and urination, vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss) only become apparent after nearly 75% of the kidneys have been destroyed. Early treatment involves easing the kidneys’ workload with proper nutrition, eliminating accumulated toxins, and preventing dehydration.
5: CANCER
Cancer is one of the most common health issues in older dogs. Cancer involves abnormal cells replicating uncontrollably and can occur in various body tissues, including the skin, organs, and blood. In addition to genetic predisposition, chronic inflammation may increase cancer risk. As with humans, early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for some cancer types. Therefore, you must not only routinely check your dog for lumps and bumps, but also stay alert for other cancer signs, including lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and abnormal bleeding.
Aging is natural, but does it have to be so heartbreaking?
They say that a dog’s only fault is that they don’t live long enough, and I’d have to agree. Fortunately, we can make many simple changes throughout our dogs’ lives that ensure we get as much time as possible with them, and that they age with fewer debilitating changes.
Graceful aging is possible, but requires action and dedication. While we may not be able to outwit certain genetic predispositions for certain conditions, we can stack the deck in our pet’s favor by making them as healthy as possible at every life stage. This includes:
- Exercising regularly and appropriately — Mobility is key to your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Ensure your dog gets daily age-appropriate exercise.
- Supporting a healthy body condition — Obesity promotes inflammation and worsens joint problems, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Simply keeping your dog lean and fit can help add years to their life.
- Providing high-quality nutrition — Food is fuel, so ensure your dog receives complete and balanced nutrition tailored to their life stage.
- Minimizing inflammatory processes — Many processes can trigger inflammation in your dog, including unnecessary vaccinations, unmanaged pain, obesity, environmental allergens, air pollution, food additives, and stress. Minimizing or avoiding these triggers can prevent oxidative damage, a common culprit of age-related changes in your dog’s body.
- Managing pain — Chronic and uncontrolled pain creates a cascade of negative changes in your dog’s body and makes everyday life uncomfortable and unpleasant. Work with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s pain is well-managed, which will likely involve a combination of supplements, medication, lifestyle changes, and various therapies (e.g., rehabilitation, acupuncture, or laser therapy).
- Maintaining regular veterinary care — Age is inevitable, so be prepared with routine wellness veterinary care. Regular exams and blood work can ensure you and your veterinarian identify and address subtle changes in your dog’s health before they become big problems.
Watching your dog transition from an exuberant adult to a distinguished senior is an emotional milestone, but an older dog’s company and affection is its own special blessing. Protect your senior dog from age-related health issues and honor their love and loyalty by paying attention to their well-being and taking protective steps to keep them active and healthy—and young at heart.
Are you ready to discover how you can help your canine companion enjoy a happier, more comfortable, and—yes—a longer life? Download our free ebook, explore our line of dietary supplements, or schedule a concierge consultation to unlock the secrets of Helping Pets Live Longer.
