What are the most common diseases in old dogs

In the long river of time, dogs have evolved from lively and agile puppies to old age, accompanying us through countless wonderful moments. When a dog enters old age, its body functions like a machine that has been used for many years, and various conditions begin to appear. Understanding the common diseases of elderly dogs is the key to taking good care of them, because every dog is an extremely precious member of our family, and they have given us endless love with their lifelong companionship. Now, it is our turn to fully protect their health.

Heart disease is a major challenge faced by elderly dogs. As age increases, the heart function of elderly dogs gradually declines, myocardial contractility weakens, and heart valves may also develop lesions. This is like an old engine that no longer runs smoothly and lacks power. The heart's inability to effectively pump blood throughout the body can lead to a series of serious consequences. Poor blood circulation in the body can easily accumulate in tissue gaps, causing ascites and significant swelling in the abdomen; The blood circulation in the lungs is affected, leading to pulmonary edema. Dogs may experience difficulty breathing, rapid and strenuous breathing, often opening their mouths to catch their breath, and their abdomen will fluctuate violently with their breathing, even during quiet rest. Coughing is also a common symptom of heart disease, mostly dry cough, which can worsen at night or after exercise due to pulmonary congestion stimulating the respiratory tract. Some breeds of dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians in small breeds, and Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds in large breeds, have a relatively higher risk of heart disease in old age. It is crucial to regularly take dogs to pet hospitals for cardiac auscultation, electrocardiography, and echocardiography when facing heart disease. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of dogs and prolong their lifespan.

Arthritis is also very common in elderly dogs. As dogs age, the wear and tear on their joint cartilage becomes increasingly severe, just like the pattern on a car tire gradually becoming flat. The effective buffering of cartilage between bones is lost, and mutual friction increases, leading to joint diseases such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Dogs with illnesses may experience swelling and pain in their joints, making it difficult to move. They, who used to run and jump happily, now walk with a limp, unwilling to climb stairs, and even find it extremely difficult to get up and down.

Diabetes is also one of the diseases that old dogs are prone to. As dogs age, their pancreatic function gradually declines and their ability to regulate blood sugar decreases. Just like the "blood sugar regulation switch" in the body malfunctioning, blood sugar is prone to fluctuations. If the old dog eats too much high calorie, high-fat food and lacks exercise, obesity will come, and obesity will greatly increase the risk of diabetes.

Cataract casts a dark shadow over the world of elderly dogs. As dogs age, the crystalline lens of their eyes gradually becomes cloudy, like a piece of originally clear and transparent glass that gradually becomes blurred. This makes it difficult for light to pass through the crystalline lens and focus on the retina, resulting in decreased vision and even blindness in dogs. At first, we may notice that dogs become cautious when moving and are prone to bumping into furniture or obstacles; The eyes look white and cloudy, losing their former brightness. Cataract not only affects the life of dogs, but may also cause them to feel uneasy and fearful. If a dog is suspected of having cataracts, it should be taken to a pet hospital for examination as soon as possible.

Senile vestibular disease can make the world of elderly dogs spin around. This is a sudden dysfunction of the vestibular nervous system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation of the body. Dogs with illnesses may tilt their heads, walk unsteadily, lose their balance, easily fall, and experience eye tremors, constantly swinging left and right. Elderly vestibular diseases can cause great inconvenience to dogs' daily lives, as they may not be able to eat, drink water normally, and even have problems standing up. Although the cause of this disease is not yet fully understood, once these symptoms are found in dogs, they should be taken to the hospital immediately. Veterinarians will conduct detailed examinations, rule out other possible diseases, and provide corresponding treatment to help dogs relieve symptoms and gradually restore balance.

Intestinal tumors, including adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, etc., also pose a threat to the health of elderly dogs. The symptoms of intestinal tumors may not be very obvious, and in the early stages, they may only occasionally cause diarrhea and vomiting, which are easily overlooked by the owner. As the condition progresses, dogs may experience symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, and bloody stools. Intestinal tumors not only affect the absorption of nutrients in dogs, but may also metastasize, endangering their lives. Regularly taking elderly dogs for physical examinations, including abdominal palpation, X-rays, ultrasound, etc., can help detect intestinal tumors early. If unfortunately diagnosed, veterinarians will develop personalized treatment plans based on the type, size, and location of the tumor, which may include surgical resection, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

The health of elderly dogs requires special attention, and regularly taking them to pet hospitals for comprehensive check ups is the key to early detection of diseases. In daily life, provide elderly dogs with a balanced and nutritious diet, ensure they have moderate exercise, create a quiet, comfortable, and warm living environment, and give them more care and companionship. Because every elderly dog is an invaluable companion in our lives, accompanying us throughout our lives. We must make every effort to ensure that they can still feel love and warmth in their final moments, and live each day healthy and happy.