I go to the vet twice a year for a checkup.
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As your dog gets older, they may have some medical issues. Take your senior to the vet once or twice a year for a checkup.
Some common medical conditions found in senior dogs: Arthritis When the joints get inflamed, it could be painful. There are supplements and medicines available. Some movement, like walking, helps alleviate the pain as well. Vision Loss Nuclear sclerosis is a common condition in older dogs when their eyes appear cloudy. This happens because the tissue fibers start to build up in the center of the eyes, and slight vision loss may occur. Cataracts are when your dogs eyes appear cloudy because of protein buildup in the eye that blocks light from the retina. Cataracts are more severe than nuclear sclerosis and cause more severe vision loss. Ask your vet to determine if your dog has nuclear sclerosis or cataracts. |
Gum disease
When plaque builds up, it turns to tartar and could lead to an infection. If your dog has bad teeth, your vet may suggest to have them removed surgically and under anesthesia. There are high risks involved with putting a senior dog on anesthesia, which is why it's important to start brushing your dog's teeth at a young age and keep brushing them regularly.
Incontinence
It is common for your senior to need more frequent trips outside, and they may start to have more accidents. Talk to your vet if you notice your dog going to the bathroom more often as it could also be a sign of a medical condition.
Dementia
Changes in a dog’s brain occur as they get older. These changes may impact: memory, sleep, appetite, energy, and moodiness. You may also find your dog staring into space, wandering, or hesitating to do usual things. There is medicine available that can help some symptoms of dimentia in dogs, but you should talk to your vet about possible side effects.
IVDD
IVDD is when the disks in a spine bulge or burst and press on the spinal cord. IVDD is common to dogs with longer backs (such as dachshunds) and typically can be treated with medicines, therapies, and surgery. To help prevent IVDD and other strains on aging bones, limit your senior dog's jumping, climbing, and any other strenuous activity.
Fatty tumors
Formally known as lipomas, fatty tumors may develop as your senior ages. These are not painful, but may get in the way depending on the location and can be removed surgically if need-be.
When I was about eight, I started to grow a fatty tumor on my chest. It remained the same size for several years, but then grew quickly and started to get in the way. Human and the vet agreed it was time to get it removed through surgery.
The surgery was a success! It took several weeks for the scar to heal, but then I could move around more easily.
Cancer
Sadly, many senior dogs develop cancer, but some cancers are treatable if detected early. If your dog develops cancer, hang in there and talk to your vet about available options.
Take your senior to the vet once or twice a year for a checkup, pay attention to any changes in mood or behavior, and don't be afraid to ask questions and get a second opinion.
When plaque builds up, it turns to tartar and could lead to an infection. If your dog has bad teeth, your vet may suggest to have them removed surgically and under anesthesia. There are high risks involved with putting a senior dog on anesthesia, which is why it's important to start brushing your dog's teeth at a young age and keep brushing them regularly.
Incontinence
It is common for your senior to need more frequent trips outside, and they may start to have more accidents. Talk to your vet if you notice your dog going to the bathroom more often as it could also be a sign of a medical condition.
Dementia
Changes in a dog’s brain occur as they get older. These changes may impact: memory, sleep, appetite, energy, and moodiness. You may also find your dog staring into space, wandering, or hesitating to do usual things. There is medicine available that can help some symptoms of dimentia in dogs, but you should talk to your vet about possible side effects.
IVDD
IVDD is when the disks in a spine bulge or burst and press on the spinal cord. IVDD is common to dogs with longer backs (such as dachshunds) and typically can be treated with medicines, therapies, and surgery. To help prevent IVDD and other strains on aging bones, limit your senior dog's jumping, climbing, and any other strenuous activity.
Fatty tumors
Formally known as lipomas, fatty tumors may develop as your senior ages. These are not painful, but may get in the way depending on the location and can be removed surgically if need-be.
When I was about eight, I started to grow a fatty tumor on my chest. It remained the same size for several years, but then grew quickly and started to get in the way. Human and the vet agreed it was time to get it removed through surgery.
The surgery was a success! It took several weeks for the scar to heal, but then I could move around more easily.
Cancer
Sadly, many senior dogs develop cancer, but some cancers are treatable if detected early. If your dog develops cancer, hang in there and talk to your vet about available options.
Take your senior to the vet once or twice a year for a checkup, pay attention to any changes in mood or behavior, and don't be afraid to ask questions and get a second opinion.
Additional Resources
Use the following resources for additional information on medical conditions often found in seniors. Consult with your vet if you think your dog may have a medical issue.
