What are the symptoms of old dog disease

In our journey of life, dogs are like warm sunshine, accompanying us through countless wonderful times. And as dogs age, they are like old friends who need our careful care even more. Older dogs have a significantly increased risk of illness due to the gradual decline of their physical functions and decreased resistance. Understanding the symptoms of elderly dogs when they are sick is the key to timely identifying problems and providing them with appropriate care. Behind this lies our deep love and reluctance towards them.

As they age, various systems in the body of elderly dogs are quietly undergoing changes. In terms of skeletal muscle, arthritis is a very common disease in elderly dogs. Elderly dogs with illnesses may experience pain and swelling in their joints, especially during physical activity. They, who used to be lively and active, like to run and jump, now find it slow and difficult to climb stairs. They also find it extremely difficult to get up and lie down, and even make slight moans. Some elderly dogs become unsteady and sway left and right while walking, due to joint pain that makes it difficult for them to maintain balance. They used to be fond of taking walks, but now they may have lost interest in going out for walks and prefer to rest quietly in corners for long periods of time. This change is like time mercilessly locking their vitality, and the symptom of arthritis is the creaking sound of that lock, reminding us of the pain they are enduring.

In terms of cardiovascular system, elderly dogs are prone to heart disease. In the early stages of heart disease, dogs may only experience symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing after vigorous exercise. As the condition progresses, even in a quiet state, there may be shortness of breath and even significant abdominal undulations, due to weakened heart function that cannot effectively transport blood throughout the body, resulting in hypoxia. Some elderly dogs may also experience coughing, especially at night or when excited, which can worsen. They may suddenly stand still, with a look of unease and pain in their eyes, which is a physical response triggered by heart discomfort. When we see a once energetic dog now weakened and struggling to breathe due to heart disease, our inner worries and heartache arise, just like seeing close friends in trouble but unable to immediately share their pain.

Digestive system problems are also common in elderly dogs. Older dogs often experience severe wear, looseness, and even loss of teeth, which makes it difficult for them to chew while eating. They may lose interest in their favorite foods and significantly reduce their food intake. At the same time, gastrointestinal function declines, digestive ability weakens, and symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea are more likely to occur. If an elderly dog shows a forceful and painful expression during defecation, with dry or loose stool, it may be a problem with the gastrointestinal tract. Some old dogs also vomit frequently. The vomitus may be undigested food, yellow liquid or foam, which not only affects their nutrition intake, but also makes them weaker. Seeing elderly dogs gradually losing weight due to digestive system diseases, we seem to feel their discomfort, and the heart wrenching feeling is indescribable.

The urinary system is also susceptible to the influence of age. The kidney function of elderly dogs gradually declines, and symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency may occur. Their regular urination habits may be disrupted, and they may frequently search for places to urinate at home, even experiencing incontinence. If a dog's urine color is found to be abnormal, such as darkening, turbidity, or with blood streaks, it is necessary to be highly alert to the possibility of kidney disease. Some elderly dogs may show pain and make sounds during urination, which undoubtedly tells us about their physical pain. Kidney disease is like a hidden killer, silently eroding the health of elderly dogs, and these symptoms are the clues it leaves, reminding us to pay attention to the urinary system health of elderly dogs in a timely manner.

The cognitive function of elderly dogs also declines with age, resulting in symptoms similar to human dementia, known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Older dogs with illnesses may forget familiar commands and have a slow response to their owners' calls. They will lose their direction at home, unable to find their nest or the door they frequently enter and exit. Originally gentle dogs may become irritable and easily become angry with family members or other pets. Sleep patterns can also change, sleeping for a long time during the day but becoming unusually active at night, pacing and wandering around the house. Seeing the once intelligent and obedient dogs now become confused and confused, our hearts are filled with helplessness and sadness, as if watching the traces of time mercilessly erase their former glory.

Every elderly dog is a precious companion in our lives, accompanying us throughout our lives and giving us endless love and joy. When they get sick, those symptoms are like a distress signal they send to us. We need to observe every subtle change with our hearts and accompany them through difficult times with love. Take them to the veterinarian in a timely manner, provide them with appropriate treatment and care, so that they can still feel our warmth and care in the final stage of their lives. Because they are not only pets, but also an indispensable member of our family, worthy of our full love to protect.