Just like humans, dogs can have health issues as they get older. Loss of vision and/or hearing are common in older dogs, as is arthritis.
Dogs slow down with age and they may want to exercise less and as a result, start to put on weight.
Some dogs become friendlier and want to spend more time with their owners while others become grumpier. Some become more anxious because they may not see or hear as well as they used to and are slower at getting away from danger.
Middle age for most dogs is now generally considered to be above seven years of age. But there is considerable breed variation – bigger dogs age faster. Changes in personality can also be a sign of pain or illness so, if in doubt, contact your vet.
Some signs to look out for include if your dog:
- is eating less
- is drinking more than normal
- has smelly breath
- has lost weight
- is stiff, has a limp or difficulty in jumping up onto things
- has any lumps or bumps, especially if they are rapidly getting bigger
- is getting tired when out for a walk
- has a cough
- is having trouble passing urine or faeces, or is passing water indoors
- has become dull, disoriented or is having trouble with balance.
Vision Loss
Unlike humans, dogs do not rely on vision as their most important sense. Their noses and ears allow them to adapt quite well to changes in their eyesight. There are many causes of vision loss in older dogs, including glaucoma and macular degeneration.
One of the more probable causes is a cataract, when the lens of the eye is clouded over. It’s vital for your elderly dog to have regular visits (at least every six to nine months) with their veterinarian, as the sooner the condition is detected and diagnosed, the better the outcome.
Signs that your dog is losing their eyesight can be obvious. They might bump into walls or furniture, have trouble locating food or toys or stop making eye contact. More subtle signs include reluctance to jump on or off furniture, anxiety or becoming ‘clingy’. Your dog may even begin to show aggression because their vision loss may leave them feeling vulnerable and more inclined to act offensively in an attempt to keep themself safe.
If the loss of eyesight is gradual enough, you may not even notice until you take your dog to a new environment or rearrange your furniture. This is because dogs can adapt so well. If you notice any of the above changes, be sure to book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Arthritis
Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease can also occur in young dogs but is more common in older dogs. There are various treatments available to help dogs with osteoarthritis.
Signs that indicate your dog could have arthritis include:
- reduced activity
- reluctance to walk or play
- stiffness in the legs (especially in the mornings or after sleeping)
- difficulty getting up from lying down
- limping or lameness (harder to spot if it’s in both legs)
- difficulty climbing stairs or jumping up or down
- lagging behind on walks
- licking or chewing at the joints
- yelping in pain when touched
- personality change (possibly aggression).
To see if your dog has arthritis you will need to make an appointment with your vet for a full physical examination and assessment. This is important to ensure a proper diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made, as other conditions can mimic this condition.
Your vet will be able to discuss the various treatments available and the best treatment options for your dog. Treatment and management of osteoarthritis differs between individual dogs as they respond differently to the different treatments available. Some dogs may not be able to take certain medicines safely, so it important to have a veterinary assessment.
Hearing Loss
Deafness in dogs can have a variety of causes and treatments. In many cases, it results simply from ‘old age’ and treatment is neither needed nor effective. However, it’s important to rule out other conditions rather than let a dog that could be cured remain deaf for the rest of his life.
Diagnosis of deafness requires careful observation of the animal’s response to sound. The response to touch, smell, and objects that can be seen must be differentiated from the response to sound.
The primary sign of deafness is failure to respond to a sound, for example, failure of noise to awaken a sleeping dog, or failure to alert to the source of a sound. Other signs include unusual behavior such as excessive barking, unusual voice, hyperactivity, confusion when given vocal commands, and lack of ear movement. An animal that has gradually become deaf, as in old age, may become unresponsive to the surroundings and refuse to answer the owner’s call.
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that our beloved pets age. But with the right care and regular check ups at your vet, you can help them age gracefully and ensure they’re in your life for as long as possible.
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