Information on Health Issues in Aging Dogs

Dogs, just like people, experience health issues as they age. Senior dogs are prone to a variety of conditions from joint and heart issues to kidney or liver disease. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to certain health conditions, while other diseases are more equal opportunity. And, while there is nothing you can do about your dog getting older, recognizing the symptoms of disease early can help him live a longer, happier life.

  1. Arthritis

    • Arthritis is one of the most common ailments experienced by older dogs. When a dog develops arthritis, the hip joints begin to swell and cause pain. In the beginning, owners may notice the dog becoming less willing to jump up or down or becoming particularly sore after hard exercise. As the disease progresses, the dog will find simply getting up and walking difficult. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can employ that will slow the progression of the disease and make your dog more comfortable. These include nutritional supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs.

    Kidney Disease

    • Kidney disease is another common ailment in older dogs. The hallmark symptom of kidney disease is polyuria/polydipsia, which means drinking and urinating a lot, and anorexia or poor appetite. Kidney disease is a terminal illness. There is no cure, but feeding your dog a prescription diet that is low in protein and keeping him well-hydrated, including offering intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, will help prevent further damage to his kidneys. In later stages of the disease, veterinarians will often give vitamin B injections, as well as anabolic steroid injections, to keep the dog's appetite up and keep good muscle tone.

    Liver Disease

    • Liver disease commonly affects older dogs and is also a terminal condition. Dogs experiencing liver failure will often have poor appetites and may vomit frequently. The dog may lose weight as a result of not eating and vomiting. The whites of their eyes will yellow as the disease progresses. While there are no liver failure-specific treatments, treatments aimed at providing good supportive care, including good nutrition, antibiotics, steroids and more, are given to help the body compensate for decreased liver function.

    Tooth Decay

    • Tooth decay is a very common problem in older dogs and can cause complications, including poor appetite, pain, sepsis of the blood and even heart conditions. Common symptoms of tooth decay includes halitosis or bad breath, poor appetite, weight loss and visible tooth loss. The good news is that tooth decay can be cured by simply taking your pet to the veterinarian for a canine dental procedure designed to remove the built-up tartar. To perform this procedure, the dog will be anesthetized and an ultrasonic scaler will be used to remove the tartar.

    Diabetes

    • Diabetes strikes many older dogs, especially obese ones. Symptoms of diabetes include eating and drinking large quantities, urinating frequently and weight loss. Dogs with diabetes can suffer from blindness, seizures and a loss of circulation to their limbs, causing sores that don't heal. Kidney disease is also common among diabetic dogs. Veterinarians can treat diabetes using injectable insulin and a strict diet. There is no cure for diabetes.