Common Health Issues to Look Out for in Senior Dogs

As your furry friend ages, they are more susceptible to illness. Read below to learn about common health issues in senior dogs. 

Cancer

About half the dogs over the age of 10 in the United States develop cancer. Additionally, dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are at a higher risk of cancer. However, most cases are manageable and treatable if it is caught early enough. So, some common signs include:

• lumps, bumps, swelling
• discolored skin
• non-healing wounds
• continual vomiting or diarrhea
• loss of appetite or weight loss
• difficulty eating, swallowing, breathing, or going potty
• bleeding from the nose or mouth

Heart Disease

It is common for senior dogs to have some form of heart disease. These issues can worsen over time. So, catching these problems and treating them as early as possible is important. Some common sights of heart disease include:

• coughing
• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• unwilling to exercise
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Obesity

Senior dogs are prone to obesity because they exercise less and burn fewer calories than they eat. But, hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. But, signs to watch out for include weight gain and fat around the ribs and abdomen. You should not be able to see your pal’s ribs but you should be able to feel them. So, if you can’t, it is likely they are overweight. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is pain and inflammation of the joints caused by rubbing bones against each other. Additionally, large breeds and overweight dogs are predisposed to arthritis. Some signs include:

• decreased activity
• unwillingness to play
• stiffness
• change in stance
• reluctant to climb stairs
• reluctant to jump onto furniture
• whimpering or flinching

Vision and Hearing

Natural aging along with medical issues can cause the deterioration of the senses. Symptoms of hearing loss include:

• less responsive to commands
• sleeping through noises that usually wake them
• being startled more easily
• changes in behavior 

Additionally, signs of vision loss include: 

• change in the appearance of the eyes
• bumping into things
• hesitation or anxiety in new environments
• avoiding stairs
• avoiding jumping onto or off of furniture
• being startled when touched

Senior companions are more prone to illness than when they were puppies. It is important to pay attention to emerging symptoms. Also, bring any concerns and questions to your vet to be treated and managed to keep your pal happy and healthy!