Common Senior Dog Health Problems

As our canine companions age, they are more likely to develop senior dog health problems. Understanding these problems can help you provide the best care for your senior dog. Here, we cover why senior dogs experience more health problems, common signs and symptoms to watch for and specific health conditions that are prevalent in older dogs. Finally, we’ll discuss how to care for senior dogs with health issues and when to consult a veterinarian.

Why Do Senior Dogs Experience More Health Issues?

Senior dogs, generally considered to be those aged 7 years and older, go through various physiological changes that increase their vulnerability to health problems:

• Decreased Immune Function: As dogs age, their immune systems weaken, making them more prone to infections and diseases. 
• Slower Metabolism: A slower metabolism can lead to weight gain and a decreased ability to process nutrients efficiently.  
• Wear and Tear on Organs: Long-term wear on organs like the kidneys, heart and liver can lead to chronic conditions. In some cases, this causes older dogs to be underweight and malnourished. 
• Joint Degeneration: Aging joints can result in arthritis, decreased mobility and joint pain in older dogs. 
• Sensory Decline: Older dogs often experience senior dog hearing loss, senior dog vision problems and a decline in smell, which affects their interaction with their environment.

Signs and Symptoms of Health Problems in Senior Dogs

Monitoring your senior dog closely for signs and symptoms of health issues is crucial. Common indicators of senior dog problems include:

• Lethargy: Significant energy and activity drops can indicate various health concerns. 
• Changes in Appetite or Weight: Unexplained weight gain or loss may signal metabolic or senior dog digestive issues. 
• Vomiting and Diarrhea: Persistent episodes can point to gastrointestinal problems or dietary intolerances. 
• Confusion or Disorientation: Signs of senior dog cognitive decline include forgetting familiar routines or getting lost in known areas. 
• Increased Sleeping: While dogs sleep more as they age, excessive sleeping might indicate an underlying health problem. 
• Incontinence: A senior dog’s inability to control bladder or bowel movements could be due to various conditions. For house-trained dogs, accidents might indicate issues like senior dog incontinence or arthritis.

Common Health Issues That Affect Senior Dogs

By staying informed about the following common senior dog health issues and their symptoms, you can help ensure your senior dog enjoys a happy and healthy life in their golden years:

• Arthritis: Arthritis symptoms include stiffness, limping, difficulty getting up and reluctance to exercise. Causes range from joint wear and tear to obesity and previous injuries. 
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and lethargy. Kidney problems in old dogs may develop due to a genetic predisposition and aging. Factors like chronic dehydration can exacerbate the problem. 
• Heart Disease: Coughing, breathing difficulties, fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance are all symptoms of heart disease. Heart disease might be due to a congenital condition or a genetic predisposition. High blood pressure and/or obesity can exacerbate the problem. 
• Cognitive Decline (Dog Dementia): Disorientation, changes in sleep patterns and decreased interaction all point to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, otherwise known as CCDS or CDS on the veterinary side, and often referred to as senior dog dementia. CCDS in older dogs is caused by brain aging, buildup of harmful proteins, stress on brain cells, inflammation, reduced brain chemicals, poor blood flow, genetics and lack of mental exercise.  
• Diabetes Mellitus: Symptoms include increased thirst, urination and appetite, as well as weight loss. Causes of diabetes are insulin resistance, Cushing's disease in senior dogs, pancreatitis or insufficient insulin production. 
• Cancer: Lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss and changes in appetite or behavior are all cancer symptoms. Senior dog cancer causes include genetic factors, environmental exposures and age. 
• Liver Disease: Symptoms of senior dog liver problems include jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and decreased appetite. The causes include infections, toxins and prolonged medication use. 
• Dental Disease: Bad breath, difficulty eating and swollen or bleeding gums all indicate dental disease. Plaque and tartar buildup, bacterial infections and gum inflammation are all root causes. 
• Hypothyroidism: Dog hypothyroidism symptoms include increased thirst and urination, excessive panting and a pot-bellied appearance. This happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. 
• Hip Dysplasia: Difficulty rising, reluctance to run or jump and a swaying gait are signs of hip dysplasia. Causes include a genetic predisposition and improper development of the hip joint.  
• Cherry Eye: If your senior dog paws at their eyes, there’s discharge and a red swollen bump at the corner of the eye nearest to the muzzle, it’s probably cherry eye. Older dog eye problems like cherry eye can happen typically due to genetic predisposition. However, a cause has yet to be determined as to why some breeds are more prone to it than others. 
• Eye Problems: As dogs age, so does their vision. Normal aging of the lens, which we call lenticular sclerosis, can result in decreased vision. Sudden blindness can be caused by cataracts or other more serious issues and warrants a trip to your veterinarian. In addition to blindness, redness and/or eye discharge or anything that causes the eye to look “different” might be a more concerning issue and require a vet visit.  
• Strokes: Dog stroke symptoms may appear suddenly, including seizures, blindness, dizziness, strange eye movements, poor walking, head tilting, collapse and overall bizarre senior dog behavior problems. Causes range from parasites, bacteria, blood clots and tumors to trauma, clotting disorders or other senior dog diseases. Certain breeds, including Greyhounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are more likely to suffer a stroke.

How to Care for a Senior Dog With Health Issues

Caring for senior dog health problems involves proactive management and adjustments to their daily routine, including the following tips:

• Regular Vet Checkups: Schedule visits regularly (at least twice a year) to monitor their health and catch aging dog issues early. 
• Comfortable Living Spaces: Provide supportive bedding and easy access to food, water and outdoor areas, as well as support from lifestyle adjustments, such as senior dog diapers, if needed. 
• Dietary Adjustments: Feed a diet tailored to senior dogs, focusing on joint health, weight management, digestive support and elderly dog bowel incontinence treatment. 
• Pain Management: Follow your vet’s advice on medications or supplements to manage pain from conditions like arthritis or for senior dog hip dysplasia treatment. 
• Moderate Exercise: Encourage gentle exercise to maintain mobility and prevent senior dog weight gain.

When to See a Vet?

Prompt veterinary attention is crucial if you observe any of the following in your senior dog: 

• Sudden changes in appetite or weight
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing or chronic coughing
• Severe lethargy or inability to move
• Signs of pain or distress

In some cases, seeking veterinary care may involve considering your pet’s quality of life. Your veterinarian can guide you to determine when to put your dog to sleep or how to prolong their life despite senior dog health problems, as needed.

Explore our other senior dog health articles for more expert tips on caring for your senior dog.