old dog health problems symptoms

When our dogs enter old age, they are like old friends who have gone through the accumulation of time, with every wrinkle and every white hair telling stories of the past. However, as they age, the physical functions of elderly dogs gradually decline, and health problems also arise one after another. These cute furry children cannot speak and can only send us signals of physical discomfort through subtle changes. As their closest guardians, we must keenly capture these signals, promptly detect health hazards, and provide them with the most caring care and attention.

The physical changes of elderly dogs are first reflected in their appearance and coat. Their hair is no longer as smooth and shiny as when they were young, becoming dry, rough, and even experiencing significant hair loss. This may be due to skin aging, decreased sebaceous gland secretion function, and inability to provide sufficient nourishment for hair. The skin will also become loose, lose elasticity, develop wrinkles and pigmentation. Careful observation may reveal small bumps, spots, or lumps on the skin, which may be benign tumors or early signs of malignant tumors and require special attention.

In terms of behavior and activity ability, there are also significant changes in elderly dogs. Once lively and energetic, they have now become lazy and lethargic, spending most of their time resting quietly in corners. The interest in activities such as playing and walking has significantly decreased, and even if the owner holds their once favorite toy, it is difficult to arouse their enthusiasm. This is because as older dogs grow, their muscle strength weakens, their joints undergo degenerative changes, leading to difficulty in movement and increased fatigue. They become slower and less agile when walking, and they become more cautious when going up and down stairs, and may even tremble. Some elderly dogs may also experience cognitive impairment, manifested as getting lost, being slow to respond to familiar environments and owners, and forgetting instructions they have learned, just like their memories being gently erased by the eraser of time.

The sensory functions of elderly dogs will gradually deteriorate. Visual impairment is a common problem, as they may not be able to see clearly, are prone to hitting obstacles while walking, and are not responsive to distant and moving objects. The eyes may experience symptoms such as cloudiness and cataracts, and the originally bright and clear eyes may become dull and lifeless. Hearing will gradually decrease, and the response to the owner's call and external sounds will become slow, sometimes even unresponsive. The sensitivity of smell is also reduced, which may affect their interest in food and perception of the surrounding environment.

Digestive system problems are also common in elderly dogs. Loose and falling teeth are common symptoms, which can affect their ability to chew food and lead to difficulty eating. Gum inflammation, bad breath and other oral problems can also follow, not only affecting the appetite of dogs, but also potentially causing systemic infections. Weakened gastrointestinal function and decreased digestive ability can lead to problems such as indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea. Older dogs may have a decreased ability to digest and absorb food, and even if they eat normally, they may experience weight loss and malnutrition. Some elderly dogs may also experience loss of appetite, a significant decrease in interest in food, and no longer wolf down as before.

The health status of the urinary system cannot be ignored. The kidney function of elderly dogs gradually declines, making it difficult to effectively filter waste and excess water from the blood, resulting in an increase in protein content in urine and the occurrence of proteinuria. This may cause frequent urination, increased urine output, and even urinary incontinence in dogs. Relaxation of bladder muscles can also affect the storage and excretion of urine, which can easily lead to urinary tract infections such as cystitis. During urination, dogs may exhibit painful and uncomfortable expressions, such as frequent squatting, difficulty urinating, and abnormal urine color.

In terms of cardiovascular system, elderly dogs have an increased risk of heart disease. Weakened heart function leads to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood, resulting in insufficient blood supply to various organs in the body. Dogs may experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, especially after exercise or when excited. Cough is also a common symptom, which may be dry cough or accompanied by phlegm, caused by pulmonary congestion. Some elderly dogs may also experience ascites and significant abdominal swelling, which is due to heart failure leading to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Endocrine system disorders are also common in elderly dogs. Hypothyroidism is one of them, and a decrease in thyroid hormone secretion can lead to a slowdown in metabolism in dogs, resulting in symptoms such as weight gain, drowsiness, sparse hair, and dry skin. Diabetes is also a disease easy to be suffered by elderly dogs. Sick dogs may drink, eat and urinate more, but their weight gradually decreases, and may also be accompanied by mental depression, blurred vision and other symptoms.

Bone and joint problems cause great pain to elderly dogs. Arthritis is a common joint disease in elderly dogs, characterized by cartilage wear and narrowing of joint spaces, leading to pain and inflammation. Dogs may show obvious pain during activities, such as reluctance to walk, difficulty climbing stairs, and slow getting up. Long term arthritis may also lead to joint deformities, seriously affecting the quality of life of dogs.

Every elderly dog is a precious treasure in our lives, providing us with endless love and loyalty through their lifelong companionship. When they face health problems, we should take care of them with patience, care, and love. Pay close attention to the physical changes of elderly dogs, detect symptoms in a timely manner, take them to see a veterinarian for comprehensive examination and diagnosis. During the treatment process, strictly follow the veterinarian's advice for care and treatment, providing them with sufficient nutrition, comfortable living environment, and warm companionship. Let our elderly dogs still feel our care in the last moments of their lives, minimize pain as much as possible, and enjoy a happy old age. Because their health is our greatest happiness.