6 Issues to Look for When You Have a Senior Dog

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6 Issues to Look for When You Have a Senior Dog

Just like humans, dogs tend to experience more health complications as they age. In addition to regular checkups at the vet, you can help ensure your canine companion lives a long, full life by being aware of the issues that are more common in senior dogs. If you notice any signs of the following conditions, take your canine to the vet for an evaluation. 

1. Difficulty Moving Around

As your dog gets older, various issues such as arthritis increase in likelihood. This can lead to your pooch having difficulty playing, or even just walking around. Sometimes, you can minimize the issues via medications, dietary changes, or physical rehabilitation. You can also get your dog a more comfortable bed and invest in some ramps. 

2. Eye Issues Such as Vision Loss

It is common for the vision of dogs to deteriorate as they age. If your dog has been showing indications of eye discomfort like redness and cloudiness or is bumping into more items recently, this can indicate eye issues. It is normal for dogs to experience cloudier lenses as they age. Although most eye problems are somewhat expected for aging dogs, you should still take your pooch to the vet. This will let you rule out eye-related problems that are treatable, including conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, corneal damage, and cataracts. 

3. Oral Issues Like Bloody Gums and Bad Breath

If your dog has not gotten regular oral cleanings, then he will likely start to show symptoms of various oral diseases as he ages. These include gum inflammation, loose teeth, bad breath, and excessive drooling. No matter your pooch’s age, it is not too late to take steps to improve his oral health. The importance of asking your vet for suggestions, however, increases as your dog ages. 

4. Skin Problems

Dogs can suffer from problems with their skin and coat regardless of their age. There is a higher risk with age, though. Potential problems can include lesions, lumps, dry skin, hair loss, swelling, and rashes. It is also common for dogs to get lumps underneath their skin as they age, but these tend to be harmless. That said, have your vet check any lumps you find since dangerous growths can appear similar to untrained eyes. 

5. Urination Changes

You should also keep your eyes peeled for changes to your senior dog’s urination habits. Middle-aged or older dogs have a higher risk of developing kidney disease as well as urinary tract infections. Some indications of these can include straining during urination or a simple increase in urination. It is important to visit your vet if you notice changes in your dog’s urination habits since you can frequently relieve strained urination or incontinence via dietary changes or medication.  

6. Weight Fluctuations

Depending on your dog, he may start to gain or lose weight as he gets older. Being overweight or underweight is not ideal for an aging dog as each comes with its own list of problems. Because of this, you may need to change your dog’s food as he ages and ensure you encourage an age-appropriate exercise plan. 

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