In the UK today, currently ~40% of the population owns a pet, out of which 26% have a dog. Dogs are a great companion to all age groups, both the young and old.
They are known for their endless love, devotion, loyalty, faithfulness and gentle approach towards everyone. Dogs are amazing creatures and are truly man’s (& woman’s) best friend. It is important to take care of your pet dog who is with you through thick and thin in the best way possible.
Old age is a time in our lives where we even more need the utmost care, affection, and love. It is the same for your furry friend too. Taking care of your aged dog, including giving them the right medication to ease their pain and preparing for their peaceful goodbye when the time comes, is something that you as a pet parent need to make considered choices and a priority before it is too late.
Here are 10 symptoms that are often found in older dogs that require medical attention:
- Weight loss or weight gain:
Gaining and losing weight in dogs can be normal and natural within reason. But any sudden increase in weight or rapid loss of weight needs to be assessed by your vet as soon as possible. They will examine your pet to rule out any serious disease and take measures to manage the ailments or condition. As age increases, dogs can have a reduced level of energy and less active time which can lead to weight gain. Though gaining or keeping a certain amount of weight in senior dogs is fine, when overdone, this may lead to more serious medical conditions. Feeding too many treats or dishing out too much food, is not always the kindest act you can do for your pet if they become overweight as it adds increased pressure to their aging joints and organs. Diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid problems, poor diet and lack of exercise can all also contribute to weight-related issues in your pet, just like in people.
- Gum disease:
Dogs are more susceptible to gum diseases than humans. Oral health is very important to keep gum diseases at bay. If you want to avoid problems later in life, take care to clean your dog’s teeth after every meal and ensure regular visits to your vet as this can help to diagnose any kind of gum disease at an early stage. Plague and tartar get accumulated on the teeth and if left untreated, can cause gingivitis. Severe gum disease can pass into your pet’s blood and cause heart disease and also cause stomach pain. Senior dogs will have weaker gums and so special care needs to be taken at this time. If you notice exceptionally bad breath, bleeding gums or a preference to chew and use only one side of the mouth, then taking your pet to a vet is necessary right away.
- Cognitive dysfunction:
Canine cognitive dysfunction or dog dementia is said to affect more than 60% of senior dogs. This is a neurobehavioral disease and can be managed to a degree through proper diet and medication if diagnosed early. If you feel that your pet seems restless especially at night, or seems generally lost, staring at white space and corners, or feeling confused and behaving out of character, barking randomly, or suddenly not barking at all when he or she normally would, then taking your best friend to a vet is advised.
- Worms in dog’s faeces:
Senior dogs can get worms in their stomach by consuming infected animal meat or carcasses causing problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloated appearance and blood in their stools. If you notice worms in your dog’s stools, once again, take them to your vet. Worms can be treated by deworming medications because, if left untreated, they can cause complications. Worms such as heart- and or lungworms may cause serious damage to different organs in your dog’s body.
- Bacteria UTI:
The urgency to urinate or painful urination are symptoms often pointing to a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Though an increase in the amount of urination in your pet may also be caused by diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure. There might also be other symptoms such as fever or blood in their urine which often are an indicator of UTI. Senior female dogs are at higher risk of contracting a UTI generally.
- Lethargy:
Older dogs do have lower levels of energy and can feel tired quickly. If you notice that your dog is unusually quiet and not moving much, it might also be due to underlying conditions such as liver failure, infection, low blood sugar, or, more often, generalised, chronic pain. Make sure you visit your vet if your dog is feeling weak and tired for more than 48 hours.
- Not eating:
Slower metabolism as age increases leads to weight gain in both humans and pets. Senior dogs require a lower calorie intake compared to when they were younger and more active. So if you notice a gradual decrease in your pet’s food intake, it might be natural. But if your pet dog stops eating all of a sudden, after 1-2 days, immediate consultation with a vet is needed. Dogs can refuse to eat due to pain or other symptoms from diseases such as mouth ulcers, gum disease, diabetes, cancer, or heart-related problems.
- Muscle stiffness:
Arthritis in joints and bones is a very common, often overlooked, health issue in aging dogs that affect mobility. When left untreated, it can cause a lot of pain in senior dogs which can be difficult to manage without making your pet more comfortable and making adjustments in your home. Make sure to visit your vet for regular check-ups to diagnose and treat the real issue for muscle stiffness, joint pain and mobility challenges. The earlier this is addressed, the longer you can enjoy normal, comfortable life with your best friend.
- Incontinence:
Incontinence is seen in many older dogs. Even if your pet is very clean and proud, weak muscles in senior dogs can make them urinate involuntarily. In addition to the age of the dog, UTI, weak bladder, Cushing’s disease and arthritis are conditions that can contribute to this incontinence. It is important to talk to your vet to start the right treatment as soon as you notice this issue to help your dog to feel more comfortable.
- Blood in your pets urine or stool:
If you notice blood in your dog’s urine, it is always better to visit the vet asap. Urinary infection, cancer, worms, ruptured anal sac and poisoning can all be common causes of the presence of blood in urine and stool in aging dogs.
Vets2Home, Peaceful pet Goodbyes provide end-of-life care and animal hospice services in your own home. Our small, dedicated expert team of vets will examine your pet dog and thoroughly assess their quality of life-based on several factors. Euthanasia is not the only option when it comes to senior dogs with problems, there are numerous treatment methods available to help your pet but early intervention is the key.