Dog Diseases In Old Age

As dogs get older, they tend to suffer from certain medical conditions. At the same time, there are signs of aging that are not pathological, and the effects of which can be alleviated. Here you can find out everything you need to know about dog diseases in old age and the care of gray muzzles.

Signs Of Aging – This Is Part Of Getting Older

Like us humans, our dogs change as they get older:

• Her enthusiasm for new adventures and exercise wanes.
• You rest more during the day, and don’t sleep through the night.
• They no longer find the food as attractive as they used to, and are perhaps more sensitive to the ingredients.
• Sometimes they seem confused or forgetful.
• Hearing and vision can decrease.
• The changed metabolic processes make the skin drier or the fur looks dull.

To a certain extent, these changes are inevitable. But: These signs of aging can be significantly alleviated. And possible illnesses should not be dismissed with “He’s just old!”. Spare your four-legged friend this unnecessary suffering.

By the way: Dogs over the age of 7 are considered middle-aged, and over 10 years old as old. Depending on the breed, state of health, feeding, etc., dogs can live up to 18 years. The rule of thumb is: Small dogs get older than large ones and mixed breeds live longer than pedigree dogs. Exceptions prove the rule.

Dog Diseases In Old Age: Changed Behavior As A Sign Of Disease

With increasing age, the probability of diseases increases. Such problems often manifest themselves in (sometimes gradually) changed behavior. Therefore, pay particular attention to the following symptoms and behavior:

• Food & Excretion: Weight loss or gain, changed eating habits, bad breath, increased drinking, changed behavior when urinating and defecation, loss of urine (incontinence)
• Skin & Coat: Dull or greasy coat, itchy, bald patches, thin, red, or scaly skin
• Movement & play: Weakness, difficult breathing, a great need for sleep, listlessness, less spontaneous movement, stiffness, difficulty climbing stairs, sitting down and lying down, lameness
• Senses & behavior: Disorientation, susceptibility to stress, anxiety, “strange” new behavior, visual and hearing impairments

If you notice any of the above points (or other strange behavior of course) in your dog, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible!

Dog Diseases In Old Age: Which Diseases Are Common In Older Dogs?

Typical diseases in old dogs are

• Heart failure (weak heart): Changes in the heart valves or a weakening of the heart muscle leading to reduced performance, coughing, weight loss, and weakness. The suspicion raised during the wiretapping should be clarified with a heart ultrasound.
• Chronic joint diseases, e.g. osteoarthritis, lead to painful, stiff joints (especially knees, hips, and elbows). The dogs have difficulty sitting down or standing up, as well as climbing stairs, and lameness occurs.
• Benign growths (e.g. lipomas) and malignant tumors (cancer): Depending on where they grow and the type of tumor, they can be unproblematic (most lipomas under the skin are just unsightly) or life-threatening (malignant tumors on various organs that are invasive and quickly spread into the lungs). penetrate tissue). The treatment of tumors in our pets has become very complex and offers various life-prolonging options. The effects of a tumor disease can also be alleviated quite well.
• Metabolic diseases such as e.g.
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): The dog appears listless and listless, gains weight, sometimes the coat is dull and the skin changes. The disease can be detected with a blood test and after good control with the medication, the symptoms usually disappear completely.
• Cushing’s disease: The disease causes an overproduction of the hormone cortisol in the adrenal glands. The dogs are constantly hungry, drink and urinate a lot. Their skin becomes thin and their fur becomes dull and light, and there can also be large bald spots. The cause may be tumors on the hormonal glands responsible for producing cortisol (adrenal glands, pituitary glands).
• Diabetes mellitus (diabetes): Dogs with diabetes eat and drink a lot, urinate heavily and still lose weight. Blood and urine tests reveal the disease, which is then treated with medication and adjusted feeding.
• Diseases of the sensory and nervous system, e.g.
• Cataracts (cataracts, lens cloudiness) and glaucoma (green star, increase in intraocular pressure)
• Vestibular syndrome (disorder in the balance organ)
• Herniated disc, cauda equina

If your dog is swaying, tilting its head, or showing signs of paralysis, get to the vet ASAP! Rapid treatment is necessary and ensures the best success.

Dental problems Are an issue for all dogs but increase with age. Caries, tartar, and broken or loose teeth occur. Regular dental care and check-ups at the vet are absolutely sensible!

• Uterine suppuration (pyometra) in unneutered bitches causes unclear symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, fever, or abdominal pain. The purulent-bloody secretion does not always flow out of the vagina, and the bitches often lick it off directly. The organ is usually removed in an operation after the diagnosis has been made by ultrasound. Since pyometra is the result of an interaction between hormones and bacteria, it affects bitches more frequently from the age of about 6 years.
• Prostate Problems: The dog has difficulty defecating and urinating. The urine may be discolored. Depending on the other signs of illness, this can be relatively harmless or have a more serious cause. In any case, it should be seen by a veterinarian.
  urinary system
• Kidney diseases are usually characterized by increased thirst and increased urination. Other symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, and loss of appetite occur. The earlier this disease is recognized, the better its negative effects can be slowed down.
• Incontinence: Various gradations are possible, from slight dribbling of urine to leaking of the bladder, especially when the dog is lying down. There are various treatment options here.
• Obesity and weight loss: Middle-aged dogs tend to gain weight due to less exercise and high-energy food, while very old dogs tend to eat less well and lose body mass. Feeding should be adjusted accordingly and metabolic disorders ruled out.
• Overall, liver diseases are rare. Underlying diseases such as gastrointestinal problems or similar are often the trigger and the symptoms are unspecific: vomiting, diarrhea, and poor performance. If necessary, yellow mucous membranes or pain in the front abdomen indicate the problem more precisely. Ultrasound and blood tests are used to track down the liver disease in old dogs.

In addition to these diseases, which become more common with age, older dogs are also more susceptible to infections because the immune system is no longer working as effectively. Parasites and fungi, bacteria, and viruses can thus penetrate the body more easily.

Dog Diseases In The Old Age: Can Dogs Become Demented?

For many dog ​​owners, senile dementia in dogs, the so-called cognitive dysfunction, is very irritating. Similar to human dementia, dementia in dogs is often caused by problems with cerebral blood flow. But there are other possible triggers. The dogs appear disoriented and forgetful, cannot find exits from rooms, or demand food again shortly after the meal. Your sleep-wake cycle can become unbalanced. And dementia in dogs can also cause aggressiveness and anxiety. Age-appropriate occupation and promotion of the dog, physiotherapy, and, if necessary, medication can slow down the process and alleviate the symptoms.

Dog Diseases In Old Age: Complex Interplay Of Many Factors

Older dogs in particular often have several diseases at the same time. Their treatment is complex because therapy for one can worsen the clinical picture of the other disease. Once an illness has been adjusted to a good balance, other problems sometimes become visible that nobody had noticed before. Last but not least, interactions between medications must also be taken into account. In addition, medication is metabolized differently in older animals, so the dosage must be carefully adjusted.

Dog Diseases In Old Age: How You Can Support Your Dog

Make sure your weight is healthy: If the dog is neither overweight nor too thin, this has a positive effect on many signs of aging. In addition to the right weight, you can achieve further health effects with a diet adapted to the age and any previous illnesses (e.g. kidney disease): The dog is optimally supplied with nutrients and the food does not strain its organs.

From the age of about 8 years, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian for a check-up once or twice a year. In this way, serious illnesses can be detected and treated at an early stage. This reduces their negative effects and extends the dog’s lifespan.

We explain to you here which check-ups are really important and what you and your gray snout can expect from them: check-ups for old cats and dogs

Dog Diseases In Old Age: When It No Longer Works

No one likes to think about it, but by getting a pet, we also take responsibility for a dignified farewell. If despite optimal medical care and loving care at home, the animal suffers severe pain and has lost its zest for life, euthanasia may be the right way to go.

If you are concerned that your dog is suffering, calmly talk to your vet about it and we can find a good way together.

Dog Diseases In Old Age: Conclusion

Dogs experience increased signs of aging and diseases with increasing age. Recognized and treated at an early stage, gray snouts can usually enjoy a good old age.