As our beloved companions age, their boundless energy as puppies transforms into a more consistent, sustained strength. This shift requires extra care, love, and attention to keep them hale and hearty in their later years. From stiff joints to sensitive hearts, our furballs face various health issues, some of which can be serious if not addressed properly.
Fortunately, with the right knowledge and proactive management, you can help them live longer, healthier, and happier.
In this comprehensive guide, we will learn about the common health issues that senior dogs face, along with practical strategies to identify and manage them. But before proceeding further, let’s first understand what age qualifies a dog as senior.
When is a Dog Considered Senior?
A dog is typically considered a senior when it reaches around 8 years of age, but it can vary, based on the dog’s breed and size. For instance, smaller breeds such as Dachshund, Beagles, and Chihuahuas are considered senior around 8-10 years of age. In contrast, larger breeds, such as Saint Bernards and Great Danes, reach their senior status between 5 and 7 years of age.
However, veterinarians define a dog as senior when it has reached 75% of their expected life expectancy.
Managing Common Health Problems in Senior Dogs: Tips for a Happy, Healthy Life
Here are some common health issues senior dogs experience that need proper care and attention. Let’s have a quick look:
1. Arthritis & Joint Pain
As dogs age, their joints naturally undergo wear and tear, leading to the degeneration of cartilage. This results in osteoarthritis, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms
• Reluctance to walk or run
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Joint stiffness
• Aggression or irritability
• Rising slowly
• Decreased playtime
How to Manage
• Ensure regular moderate exercise to keep them moving
• Maintain a healthy weight to prevent extra pressure on joints
• Provide a soft, cushioned bed to relieve joint pain, soreness, and discomfort
• Feed a well-balanced and nutritious diet (packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids)
• Administer joint supplements (Arthrimed Joint Supplement Powder, Arthritis Care Tablets for Dogs, GCS Joint Care Advanced Powder, etc.) after consulting a vet
2. Flea & Tick-borne Diseases
Like humans, the immunity of dogs gets weaker with age. This makes senior dogs prone to parasitic infestations, such as fleas and ticks, and the diseases caused by these ectoparasites. If not addressed promptly, fleas and ticks may lead your dog to serious illnesses, such as Anemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, etc.
Symptoms
• Persistent itching or biting of the skin
• Red or inflamed skin
• Skin irritation
• Hair loss or scabs
• Weakness or lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Fever
• Pale gums (in severe cases)
How to Manage
• Administer Dog’s flea & tick preventives regularly
• Keep your living area clean
• Use medicated shampoos after consulting a vet
• Groom your pet regularly
• Consult a vet immediately if symptoms persist
3. Dental Issues
Dental issues, such as tooth loss, plaque and tartar buildup, infections, bad breath, and periodontal diseases are some of the most common dental problems in dogs. If overlooked, these issues may lead to serious health problems. Therefore, proper dog dental care is essential.
Symptoms
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Appetite loss
• Excess salivation
• Foul-smelling breath
• Difficulty in chewing
• Changes in teeth color
How to Manage
• Regular brushing to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain healthy, shiny, and strong teeth and gums (Use a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste)
• Keep an eye on symptoms for quick attention and prompt action
• Schedule regular dental examinations (annual or bi-annual) for early detection and timely treatment
• Use chew sticks or dental powders for plaque and tartar elimination and fresh breath
4. Vision & Hearing Problems
As dogs enter their golden years, they experience hearing and vision challenges, such as little or no response to voice commands or cloudy eyes. Lack of attention to your canine’s vision and hearing issues can lead to permanent blindness or deafness.
Symptoms
• Confusion and anxiety
• Bluish haze in the eyes
• Relying on vibrations instead of sounds
• Excessive barking
• Reluctance to go outside at night
• Startling easily
How to Manage
• Routine vet checkups to diagnose potential issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, etc., and offer required care
• Keep their surroundings consistent and peaceful (avoid rearranging furniture, keep food and water bowls in the same place) to avoid confusion and make them feel secure
• Use touch or scent-based cues to avoid startling them and always reward them with their favorite treats and toys after they respond
• When outdoors, always keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from getting lost
• Alert your presence when you approach your canine simply by tapping your foot on the floor or turning on the light
5. Organ Dysfunction
With growing age, critical organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys, may weaken and not function efficiently.
Symptoms
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Fatigue or coughing
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathing difficulty
How to Manage
• Routine vet examinations twice a year, including complete blood count, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasounds, etc., may help determine the functioning of these organs and detect problems early, if any
• Administer a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain vitality, smooth organ functioning, and quality of life
• Incorporate essential supplements to eliminate deficiencies and support organ health
6. Cognitive Decline
Also known as Canine dementia, dogs may develop Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) due to aging, affecting their learning, memory, and awareness. Symptoms
• Confusion or disorientation (getting stuck in corners)
• Pacing at night
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• House soiling
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• Pacing or fearfulness
How to Manage
• Incorporate puzzle toys, gentle training, and scent games in their daily routine to offer mental stimulation and reduce anxiety
• Feed a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and triglycerides to improve alertness and promote brain health
• Create a calming environment with their favorite toys, treats, and bedding
• Administer vet-recommended supplements to slow cognitive decline and maintain brain function
7. Urinary Incontinence
Aging dogs, especially spayed females, often experience urinary incontinence due to their lack of ability to regulate bladder opening, resulting in leakage of urine.
Symptoms
• Wet spots on your dog’s fur (especially around legs)
• Strong urine smell on their bedding
• Itching, irritation, and discomfort at places exposed to urine for a longer period
• Increased grooming around the back end
• Dribbling while walking, standing, or sleeping
How to Manage
• Keep an eye on the symptoms
• Consult the veterinarian for the relevant investigations (urine test, blood test, ultrasound, etc.) to diagnose and manage the condition
• Follow the prescribed course of action by the vet
Keep Your Senior Dog Happy & Thriving
As your dog enters their twilight years, they tend to encounter a lot of health concerns that can affect their quality and quantity of life. But, with a little effort, adequate knowledge, and staying vigilant, you can turn potential challenges into manageable routines, ensuring your senior pup ages gracefully.
Dedicate yourself to senior dog care, not as a burden but as a heartfelt way to celebrate the unconditional love and loyalty your beloved companion showered on you over the years. Don’t forget, your furry buddy deserves nothing less than the best care and unlimited affection, even during their golden years.
