5 Most Common Health Issues In Older Dogs

When you look at your excitable, young pup, it’s hard to imagine him ever losing that spring in his step. However, time waits for no dog, and while your good boy is showing no signs of stopping now, you might start picking up on how age creeps in. We look at five common health problems in older dogs, how you might spot them and how you can go about seeking treatment. Pet insurance or pet medical aid can go a long way in helping you maintain your dog’s health, since pet insurance prices are typically cheaper than vet bills. Stick around to find out how this form of pet medical aid covers older dogs and helps you keep them young at heart.

Here are 5 common health problems in older dogs:

1. Loss Of Sight Or Hearing

As dogs advance in years, nerve degeneration can lead to deafness or blindness. Neither of these happens overnight, so you have time to rearrange your home to keep your good (old) boy from running into any furniture that could hurt him. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can prevent the loss of these sense. However, since many pet owners often confuse early signs of hearing or sight-loss with dementia, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for a clear diagnosis sooner rather than later. Because loss of hearing or sight is a gradual process, you have time to adapt. When your pup was still little, he needed puppy training; now in his old age, he can benefit from deaf dog training.

2. Joint Problems

Many dog breeds experience issues with their joints. It’s common knowledge, for instance, that German Shepherds are among the breeds especially prone to hip dysplasia. Many joint problems manifest as a progressive degenerative disease that causes loss of lubrication and the wearing away of cartilage in the shoulders, hips and leg joints. Sadly, there is no cure, but there are treatments available to reduce pain and improve your old pup’s quality of life in his golden years. Pet insurance can cover the regular check-ups at your vet and assist in getting your dog the treatment or medications he may need.

3. Dementia

Dogs are unfortunately not immune to developing cognitive change similar to dementia and other cognitive disfunctions like Alzheimer’s. The early signs are easy to miss. They include

• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Pacing/wondering
• Standing in corners as if lost
• Going to the wrong side of an opening door
• Vocalisation
• Withdrawal/not interacting with family as much
• Toileting accidents
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Restlessness

However, some of these signs could also be symptoms of other diseases, so get your vet’s opinion as soon as you notice any of the above behaviours. There are some medications and supplements that may help some cases, but without a pet insurance policy, these can prove a real pain in the wallet.

4. Cancer

Sadly, cancer is a very common health issue in older dogs. Different cancers can cause different symptoms, some of which merely seem like the quirks and irks of old age creeping in. This is why a routine screening at your vet’s office is so important. The exams a vet performs are more likely to pick up on dangerous conditions unseen to the naked eye. Cancer treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer and its progression. The sooner it’s caught, the better. Treatment can prove costly, so make sure your pet medical aid provider is willing to potentially cover your dog’s cancer treatment.

5. Heart Problems

Heart conditions are also part of the gambit of growing old. The most common form of heart disease in dogs is congestive heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart isn’t able to pump blood efficiently and fluid backs up in the heart, lungs, and chest cavity. While your pet insurance covers the cost of the vet visits, your vet will be able to pick up any early warning signs at your routine check-ups, but you should bring your dog in if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Breathing difficulty
• Exercise intolerance
• Loss of consciousness
• Unexplained vomiting

Image: Adobe Stock / Halfpoint

Time waits for no dog. It’s best to rather be prepared with pet insurance, so your old dog can get the care he needs at a price you can afford. This pet medical aid for dogs can offer even more peace of mind as they grow into their senior years. Find and compare pet insurance quotes now to keep your pup’s future looking bright!