Older dogs have to deal with several dog ailments. Regular visits to the vet will help in early diagnosis and treatment, but as an owner, you also have to be aware of the basic symptoms and signs that your fur buddy is suffering from an illness.
Geriatric cataracts are about as common in older dogs as they are in humans. The key to curing it is early detection, lest it lead to blindness or vision impairment. Symptoms that your dog has cataracts include cloudy or opaque eyes, and lack of stability.
And then there’s obesity, another serious age-related health problem. More than ever, you have to be aware of your older dog’s diet. This often means changing the diet and controlling their weight.
You also have to watch out for arthritis, one of the more unfortunate dog ailments because of the lack of cure. Treatment for this condition, however, will result in reduction of the inflammation and pain.
Diabetes mellitus are more likely to happen to obese dogs. When your dog is always thirst, frequently urinates, and has an abnormal appetite, then it might be at risk for diabetes. It can lead to kidney failure if not treated early, so seek help from the vet ASAP.
Dealing with Dog ailments
Thyroid Disorder
The most common thyroid disorder found in senior dogs is hypothyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid stops producing a sufficient amount of hormones. It can be caused by weight, atrophy of the thyroid gland and cancer. Dogs with hypothyroidism generally have the following symptoms:
· Dry, scaly or flaky skin
· Lethargy
· Weight gain
· Thinning of hair
Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormones. (Read more here)
You might also notice lumps on your dog. This is indicative of tumors and skin growths, which are quite common in older dogs. Although generally normal, you should still consult the veterinarian because it might be a symptom for a cancerous condition.
Last are two common ailments among older dogs: hearing and urinary incontinence. You need to determine the causes of both, because it might be a symptom of a more serious condition.
You have every reason to be cautious if your older buddy suffers from any of these illnesses. What’s important is that you take your dog to the vet regularly, so you can cure the condition before it gets worse.