Problems With Older Dogs
By John M Williams

Depending on the size and breed of your older pet dog you may have noticed that he/she is a bit slower when fetching or chasing a ball, struggles a bit more to get up the first thing in the morning, or loses its breath a little faster. The aging process of your pet dog is much the same as the way we age, but on a much faster pace.

While most human beings live to be 75 +, a dog, depending on many factors, often lives for 10 years or possibly less. Many dogs begin showing health / age-related problems at different ages. This is related largely to the size of the animal and previous health conditions.

Despite these, there’s is no hard rule for determining how long your pet will live. The best way to judge dog aging is based on their behavior and health. The best thing you can do for an older animal is to keep them in the limits of not being over or under weight. Also, keep your pet exercised, but be careful not to exaggerate.

Here we will go through some of the signs of aging and checks you can make.

Teeth / gum: Firstly its important to recognise that what is normal for some dogs is not normal for others and you may have to do some research into this. Changes in gum color can indicate potential problems. Bad breath may be another warning sign as well as weight loss, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing or other signs of pain.

Grumeaux / bumps: Check your pet frequently while grooming for lumps and bumps by running your hand all over your dog with small amount of pressure. Masses are common and in most cases are mild, but if you find a new one, ask your veterinarian to check that the lump is ok and everything is well especially for those who have not been spayed or neutered early in life.

Eyes: If you notice any change in the eyes of your dog, as a bluish or grey tint, consult your veterinarian to see exactly what the cause is and what treatment is involved. Cataracts, genetic diseases and other causes are often at the root of the loss of sight in older animals and is something to be aware of.

Mobility: arthritis is common among older animals, but other problems such as degenerative joint disease may be at the root of stiffness in the morning. Anti-inflammatory or steroids are often prescribed with this problem. Common aspirin can also help, but is often used as a last resort because of side effects involved.

Changes in thirst and disposal: Changes such as increased thirst and the need to pass fluids more often can be an indication of potential bladder or kidney disease or even diabetes. Check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about this.

The care an older dog will need is often a lot more than when they would have needed as a younger dog so constant contact with you vet about any problems is recommended.