Aging Issues

Become informed about the signs of conditions common to older dogs so that you can bring them to your veterinarian’s attention and decide on a course of action.   Prompt attention (i.e., don’t wait until it’s time for the semi-annual visit) provides the opportunity for prompt treatment and a better result.  

You are closest to your dog and are in the best position to observe behavior that seems different from normal or problematic.  Never assume that a change in behavior or habits is simply due to advancing age and that nothing can be done about it; there may be a highly treatable condition underlying the changes.

Here's an organized look at common health issues in senior dogs and how to approach them.....and don't start worrying.....not all of them occur in all senior dogs.  The Senior Dogs Project has had seniors with no mobility problems at all, for example.

ISSUE

OBSERVE

ACT/LEARN MORE

ARTHRITIS, MOBILITY

Stiffness, difficulty rising from sitting or lying position; limping; legs trembling; difficulty with stairs

Review with vet need for medication, supplements, exercise

DENTAL AND GUM DISEASE

Bad breath; tartar or brown/yellow deposits on teeth; difficulty chewing; inflamed gums rubbing at mouth

Get veterinary attention asap; schedule cleaning

WEIGHT/APPETITE 

Body profile not ideal (see chart); sudden loss of appetite

Develop plan for weight loss with vet; see vet asap in case of extreme weight or appetite loss

LUMPS, BUMPS, SWELLINGS

Hands-on to check for abnormalities of skin or body conformation

See vet asap for any suspicious or unusual growths or other body abnormalities

KIDNEY DISEASE, DIABETES

Excessive drinking, urination, loss of appetite, nausea, lethargy

See veterinarian asap

HEART DISEASE

Unusual breathlessness, fatigue, weakness, coughing, difficulty breathing, increased breathing rate, abdominal swelling

See veterinarian asap

ISSUE

OBSERVE

ACT/LEARN

VISION DECLINE

Bumps into things; missteps; misjudges height when jumping off elevated surface. If sudden onset, may indicate glaucoma,  requiring immediate veterinary attention.  

Have vet check for eye conditions at regular semi-annual visits.  If sudden onset of vision loss, see vet immediately.  Otherwise, take protective measures such as keeping on leash.

HEARING DECLINE

No longer responds to name or "Come" command; sleeps through sudden, loud noises.

Always use a leash in risky environments.  Train/reinforce hand signals.

COGNITIVE DECLINE

Dog seems disoriented; gets lost or gazes into corners with no reason; doesn't interact with you as usual; barks inappropriately; has house-training accidents.

See vet for medication that may help.  Stay alert to situations that require help; keep on leash to protect.

INCONTINENCE

May be due to cognitive decline or another condition

Check with veterinarian first, also try more frequent walks, more relief areas close to home, doggie diapers or belly bands.  There are many options for managing incontinence.

VESTIBULAR SYNDROME

May show up as a sudden onset of loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt, and irregular eye movements.  Dog may be unwilling to stand or walk and may fall.  

Usually improves without treatment, but vet should be consulted.

IMPORTANT!

Don't assume that a symptom is "simply old age" and can't be helped.  

Always consult your veterinarian for possible treatment and/or therapy.

Chart Copyright © 2022, The Senior Dogs Project

Being tuned into your senior dog and noticing anything that strikes you as unusual is important, but it's taking action that's even more critical when it comes to a timely diagnosis and treatment. 

Read more on these and other Conditions and Diseases......