Our lovable fur babies get older just like humans do. Although there's nothing we can about our pup's getting older, there are ways to make sure they spend their golden years in pristine health! Find out the five common senior doggy diseases and how you can detect them before they cause your pup discomfort. The faster you treat these diseases, the more comfortable your pooch will be in his older years!
Life passes quickly, especially when you’re a dog. The frolicking puppy brought home from the humane society just a few short years ago matures into a mellow senior in what seems like the blink of an eye.
Here are 5 senior dog diseases you need to know.
When is my Dog a ‘Senior'?
Although the common wisdom tells us a dog’s age times 7 equals their equivalent age in human years, the truth is dogs age at different rates depending on their size.
1. Hypothyroidism
Overweight dogs that are following a vet-approved weight loss plan with little to no success may be suffering from hypothyroidism, a common condition in dogs that results in a sluggish metabolism.
2. Dental Disease
Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and bacteria in the bloodstream that can damage internal organs.
3. Obesity
More than half the dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese, and many owners don’t even realize it. Even worse, overweight dogs are susceptible to a litany of secondary problems such as joint disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.
4. Osteoarthritis
Joint disease goes hand in hand with aging, as the cartilage that protects joint surfaces wears down with time. Familiarize with the signs of joint disease, too — reluctance to climb stairs, stiffness especially in the morning, and limping to name a few.
5. Cancer
Bone cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma are just a few of the neoplasms commonly diagnosed in dogs. Early detection and diagnosis is the key to surviving dog cancer, so don’t skip those annual veterinary exams.
Although our doggies will never be as young as they once were, that doesn't mean that they have to feel as old as they are! There are so many ways to make sure our senior doggies are as happy and healthy as can be. Now that you know what to look out for, your pooch will have the most amazing golden years!
For more information on senior dog diseases, visit PetMD.
