Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
Dear Paw-rents,
As your dog enters their senior years, their care needs will change. Senior dogs require special attention to their diet, exercise routine, and overall health to ensure they enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
Therefore, we’ve put together this complete guide to help you watch out for potential health issues, backed by science and evidence, and navigate this special stage of your dog's life with confidence and love!
What's In This Complete Guide?
Defining Senior Age: Understanding when your dog becomes a 'senior'. It may be very different from what you think!
Preventative Care: Learn the tips from our veterinarian with decades of experience on how to proactively manage your senior dog’s health
Health Signs to Watch: A list of key health indicators to monitor
Common Health Issues: Learn about the common health issues for senior dogs and help you recognize symptoms early
Nutrition: Expert advice on how to navigate your senior dog’s nutrition needs to keep them healthy and happy
Health Signs to Watch Out For
Just like humans, aging is normal for dogs. You might see behavioral changes such as slowing down or taking more naps. However, signs like difficulty standing, stiffness, anxiety, or aggression could indicate underlying health issues causing pain or discomfort. These symptoms can make your furry friend less willing to move or more easily irritated. It's crucial to discuss any changes in behavior with your veterinarian because many conditions are treatable, and addressing them early can significantly improve your senior pup's quality of life.
These are the important signs to pay attention to, especially for senior dogs:
Increased panting at night or difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Change in appetite or thirst
Change in frequency of urination
“Accidents” in the house
Pain
Aggression
Common Health Issues and Signs for Senior Dogs
As our beloved dogs enter their golden years, they may face some age-related health challenges. Being aware of these common issues can help you provide the best care for your senior pup. The most common health issues are arthritis, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and cancer. Other issues include heart, kidney, liver, dental, vision and hearing loss.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent issues in senior dogs. It can cause pain and reduce mobility. Look for signs like difficulty standing, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and noticeable stiffness. The pain might seem depressed or irritable. Several treatments are available to ease their discomfort, including exercise, medication, proper nutrition, and alternative therapies.
In terms of treatment options, the breakthrough of monoclonal antibody treatments is one the newest modalities, and it has shown remarkable results in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, offering our senior dogs a chance to enjoy their golden years with renewed vigor. Discuss it with your veterinarian or Dr. Terry White at EverPal to learn more about its benefits and whether it's a suitable option for your furry friend’s specific condition.
Heart Disease
Older dogs are at risk for heart conditions, which can often be managed with medication.
You may observe these symptoms in your senior dog, including panting at night, coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Senior dogs can show signs of cognitive decline, known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). It is
akin to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in humans and affects about 14-35% of dogs over
eight years old, with the likelihood increasing as they age. CCD causes a gradual onset of behaviors
like wandering aimlessly and staring blankly. If you observe these, discuss them with your vet or
one of EverPal’s veterinarians as they may indicate CCD or another medical condition.
Symptoms of CCD include:
Reduced interaction with owners, people, and other animals
Unusual or excessive barking or howling
Disrupted sleep patterns
Restlessness
Disorientation and confusion
Anxiety
Accidents in the house
Changes in appetite
Irritability and aggression
Lack of interest in activities
While there is no cure for CCD, early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms.
Cancer
Nearly 50% of dogs older than 10 years may develop cancer. The symptoms can differ based on the
tumor type and location but often include abdominal swelling, bleeding from various openings,
difficulty breathing, persistent wounds, and abrupt weight changes.
Vision and Hearing Loss
Just like humans, senior dogs can experience deteriorating sight and hearing. You might notice your
dog being startled more easily or having trouble finding their way around familiar places. Sensory
decline is common in aging dogs, but not all dogs will experience it. It could be attributable to
aging or medical issues. It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying
cause.
In addition to consulting with a veterinarian, here are some helpful tips if your dog shows vision
and hearing loss:
Announce Your Presence: Use a loud greeting and approach from where your dog can see you to avoid startling them.
Maintain a Familiar Environment: Avoid frequent changes to furniture arrangements in areas accessible to your dog to help them navigate easily, especially if their eyesight is deteriorating.
Introduce Hand Signals: Consider teaching your dog hand signals early on, allowing you to communicate effectively as their hearing declines.
Kidney Disease
This condition can be managed with proper diet and medication if caught early. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, so keep an eye on your dog’s water intake and bathroom habits.
Dental Problems
Dental health often declines as dogs age. Regular dental checkups are crucial since issues like gum disease and tooth loss can lead to other serious health problems. Discuss an oral health care plan with your veterinarian or one of EverPal’s veterinarians to keep your pet’s teeth in good shape.
Preventative Care For Senior Dogs
As your dog enters their senior years, there are several proactive steps you can take to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Preventative care is key to managing the natural aging process and involves more than just regular vet visits. Here's how you can support your senior dog's health:
1. Regular Exercise and Play
Keeping your senior dog active is crucial. Gentle exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health. Incorporate activities like slow walks or light play to keep their body and mind active.
2. Mental Stimulation
Continue to challenge your dog mentally by teaching them new tricks and commands. Mental stimulation is essential for keeping their cognitive functions sharp and can help reduce the progression of dementia.
3. Nutrition Tailored to Age and Health
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for senior dogs. We recommend joint health supplements and proper diet adjustments to help manage weight and digestive issues. Discuss with one of EverPal’s veterinarians about whether you need to adjust your dog's diet to their specific health needs, focusing on high-quality, easily digestible ingredients that support aging bodies.
4. Regular Health Screenings
Increased veterinary care is important for catching age-related issues early. Regular check-ups can monitor heart health, kidney function, and other vital systems to catch diseases before they become serious.
5. Social Interaction
Maintaining social interactions is vital for your dog’s emotional health. Continue to engage them with other dogs and people to boost their spirits.
6. Manage Age-Related Changes
Some changes, like decreased vision and hearing, are a normal part of aging. These aren't always linked to underlying diseases, but it’s important to adapt your home environment to help your dog navigate these changes. Increased lighting, keeping pathways clear, and using more verbal cues can assist dogs with vision loss, while using hand signals can benefit those with hearing loss.
Nutrition for Senior Dogs
Each dog's diet should be customized based on their health and specific needs. Not all dogs need to switch from an adult to a senior diet as they age. Many dogs continue to thrive on the same high-quality adult diet they're accustomed to.
Some seniors could benefit from nutritional adjustments. It's important to work with your veterinarian to tailor your dog’s diet and supplement regimen to their aging needs and any health issues they may develop. You can also easily talk to Dr. Terry White at EverPal to develop a tailored nutrition plan for your senior pup, including portion sizes and whether a lower-calorie diet might be necessary.
If your fur baby has health issues, there are options for specialized diets, such as low sodium for heart issues or specialized urinary diets for kidney health. Consult with your veterinarian, or you can easily book a consultation with Dr. Terry White, EverPal's Medical Director with 40 years of experience.
Supplements such as antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and enhance brain function.
The Nutrition “Metric”: Body Condition Score
If you haven’t done this already, learn how to assess your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) to monitor their body fat. Because senior dogs tend to lose muscles and gain fat, the more important thing of using BCS is measuring a starting point and monitoring how it changes over time. Learn more about how to assess your puppy’s BCS here.
Download The Complete Guide For Senior Dog Parents
There are a lot more vet-approved tips in our Complete Guide! Access your free comprehensive guide to learn more about common health issues for senior dogs such as cognitive declinc syndrome, cancer, the symptoms and treatment options, as well as nutrition planning for senior dogs.
Guidance from Veterinarians on How To Best Care For Your Senior Dog
Early preventative care goes a long way for your senior dog's long-term health. Schedule a same-day appointment with Dr. Terry White with 40 years of experience to help you navigate the journey so your furry friend can enjoy their golden years comfortably and happily.
We currently provide veterinary services in San Francisco, South San Francisco, Daly City, Oakland, and Berkeley in California.
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