5 Health Issues affecting your Aging Dog

5 Health Issues that Affect Your Aging Dog

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The greatest, unconditional love of our life is our loyal canine companion! No one wants to imagine the day when our pet ages and is no longer a part of our family life.

By recognizing the signs of aging of your pet, you can promote a healthy transition for his/her aging process. Regardless of the breed and size of your dog the aging cycle is usually the same.

Aging Dog

Some common issues that affect your dog will be changes in: sight, hearing, mobility, activity, health, diet, and mood. Here are 5 of the more common signs and symptoms that your pet is aging:

  1. Health Concerns:

  • ‘Accidents’ may become more frequent as your pet isn’t able to control his/her bowel or bladder functions.
  • Breathing becomes slower and may increase quickly on exertion.
  • Dehydration which causes your pet’s skin and mouth to become dry.
  • Gums, teeth, and breath need to be monitored for overall health and treatment of infections.

  1. Changes in hearing and sight:

  • It is normal with aging for hearing and sight to decline slowly.
  • Don’t approach an aging dog quickly and startle them. They may snap to protect themselves thinking they will be harmed.
  • Always approach from the front of your pet as they may only see shadows.

  1. Withdraws from activity:

  • Slowly decrease level of activity, doesn’t want to go outdoors.
  • Loses playfulness and excitement.
  • Doesn’t coming running when you arrive home.
  • Lethargic and tends to sleep much more during the day, or day and night sleeping patterns reverse.

  1. Difficulty with mobility:

  • Takes longer to walk up and down stairs.
  • Difficulty jumping into and out of a vehicle.
  • Climbing up onto the bed or couch (if you let them)!
  • Slower and unsteady when standing up from lying down.
  • Joint pain and stiffness.

Mobility Issues in a dog

  1. Loss of appetite:

  • Your dog may become disinterested in food, and eat very little.
  • Their favorite treats may simply go unwanted.
  • They tend to drink much less.
  • They don’t beg for scraps.

A visit to your Veterinarian at the onset of health and behavioural changes is highly recommended. Your Veterinarian will give you advice and support on how to care for your aging pet.

Dog GroomerA groomer who regularly sees your pet will also notice subtle changes and alert you as they happen. Pet grooming is important for any dog; especially an aging one that needs closer monitoring for cleanliness and any health changes.

Contact PetCity Canada to book an appointment with one of our qualified pet groomers.