Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to
older dogs. Many dog owners have a hard time accepting this fact and
I think your animated dog is not a major
dog and will not have health
problems. However, dogs can show signs of aging as early as seven years old.
years. Senior Dog Health Problems Usually Affect Larger Breeds
earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10-12 years
old. The fact is that the senior dog
Health issues will eventually be a concern for all dog owners.
Common Health Problems Older Dogs Face
All dogs are different and depending on their size, breed and activity level,
will exhibit health problems differently. However, there is common health
Problems that can manifest in all older dogs, including the following:
Joint and bone problems
Unlike a puppy that has an endless supply of energy, an older dog
You tend to slow down and take longer to lie down or stand up. Instead of
going up the stairs, your senior dog could take each stairs one at a time
hour. Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints.
causing pain and discomfort, which is usually the cause of this slowdown
down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory medications that your vet
may suggest to reduce discomfort caused by arthritis.
In many cases, an older dog will have eye problems as they develop
cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will be apparent to the owner as
the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. older dogs
You may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure in your eyes, and may
cause more serious problems if left untreated.
The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed on the oldest.
dogs. The heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys become less efficient and
the immune system can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.
Serious health problems can develop in your senior dog like some of the symptoms
develop gradually. It is your responsibility to keep your senior dog
health and stay informed of possible health problems of older dogs than
commonly arise.
How to Help Your Senior Dog Overcome Health Problems
As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many
symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you
can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog by making sure you are aware
of the changes that are taking place. Brush your dog’s coat daily and ask your vet
if there are special shampoos to help with their skin and coat. Spend time
rubbing their hands into their fur feeling lumps or lesions. Be patient
when your dog needs a little more time to climb the stairs or jump on
Car. Be sure to make regular visits to your vet and stay up to date on
vaccinations Brush your senior dog’s teeth regularly and have them
professionally cleaned from time to time. Provide regular exercise while also
Make any necessary adjustments for your dog as he ages.
As your senior dog slows down, you may need to adjust his diet to help
compensate for the reduced energy of both their weight and their fur
and its circulation system. It should not only be the total calorie intake
reduced, but you can also feed your older dog specially formulated food
to suit your particular needs. Try to buy the most expensive, the best
quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.
It’s inevitable that dogs age, but you can make a difference by helping
your older dog overcomes health problems. Note that in the last
eighty years or so, the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to
12. Expand your knowledge and pay attention to the health of your dogs
Help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.