Senior Dog Health Issues To Know About
If you have a dog that is aging into his senior years, you may be thinking back on where the time has gone. It can seem like only yesterday that your dog was a young pup. However, now that they are a senior, there are several health issues that your senior dog will be more prone to developing. When you are a senior dog owner, it is important to know about some of these health conditions that commonly affect older dogs. That way, you and your veterinarian can work together to treat and manage these conditions in your senior dog, keeping your dog as healthy and happy as possible in their senior years.
Arthritis and Other Joint Issues
One of the many health issues that can affect your dog when they become a senior is arthritis. They can also develop other joint issues. Arthritis is a degenerative tissue condition that affects the joints in the body.
The cartilage in the joints begins to wear down causing pain and discomfort. The breakdown of this tissue also leads to joint stiffness and a lack of flexibility in the joints.
If you notice your senior dog is having a harder time moving or seems to have changed their gait when walking, you should contact your veterinarian right away. If your dog does have arthritis (or even other joint problems), there are treatments available including anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, and even injections and surgery options.
Obesity
As dogs get older, they get to be less active. They have less energy and want to spend more of their time resting and sleeping. Because of this, they are also more prone to obesity than younger dogs.
Talk to your veterinarian if you notice your dog gaining weight or becoming less active. Your veterinarian will weigh your dog, perform a physical exam, and make recommendations. Changing your dog's food to a diet dog food or a senior dog food formula may be one option. Also reducing how much you feed your dog may be necessary to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Just like people, as dogs age, their cognitive functions and capabilities can decrease. Dogs can even develop full-on dementia. Watch your senior dog carefully as the years go on. If they seem to get disoriented and confused often, especially in the evenings, they may be experiencing some cognitive dysfunction.
This is a normal part of the canine aging process. However, it should be discussed with your veterinarian. There are foods and supplements you can give your dog that will support brain health and function which may help. Your veterinarian may also prescribe medications to help your dog maintain as much of their brain function as possible. However, true dementia is a degenerative condition, so medications will serve to delay the progression of the condition.
Now that you know some of the senior dog health issues to know about, you can be sure you contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have any of these conditions.
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