As your dog ages, he may start showing signs of many common health problems. Some of these conditions include Arthritis, Congestive heart failure, Diabetes, and Kidney disease. To help you identify and monitor these conditions, we’ve put together this handy guide. Read on to learn more. You might also notice a change in your pet’s behavior. This could be an early sign of cancer. As your pet ages, make sure you take him to the vet for a check-up.
Arthritis
When it comes to treating senior dogs with arthritis, many owners immediately think of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. But the truth is, there are many ways to treat this disease, ranging from simple lifestyle changes to innovative products and natural therapies. While anti-inflammatory drugs still have their place in severe cases, early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in a dog’s quality of life. If your senior dog is showing signs of arthritis, book an appointment with your veterinarian.
One of the first things you should do when your dog is showing symptoms of arthritis is to reassess the breed. Keeping the right weight is important for mobility and joint health. Older dogs are more susceptible to arthritis, so you should be sure to consult a veterinarian before deciding to get your dog’s weight behavior analyzed. Arthritis in senior dogs can affect even the healthiest breed. If your dog is overweight or obese, consider weighing him or her at a lower weight.
Congestive heart failure
To determine the exact cause of congestive heart failure in senior dogs, a veterinarian may use an echocardiogram. This procedure can identify the cause of the condition and any complication factors such as pulmonary hypertension, high left-sided filling pressures, atrial tears, and pericardial effusion. The use of echocardiography is not a substitute for proper diagnosis, but it does provide valuable information that can help determine the best course of treatment. An experienced sonographer must conduct the study to provide detailed results.
Treatment for congestive heart failure in senior dogs may include medications and nutritional supplements. Medications to reduce fluid buildup and improve heart function may be prescribed by your veterinarian. Veterinary nutritionists can also provide nutritional support to your pet. Using the right supplements can help prevent the development of this condition or improve the quality of life. Consultation with a veterinary nutritionist is recommended to help your pet get the best possible treatment and improve its quality of life.
Diabetes
If your senior dog is acting strangely or drinking more water than usual, he or she may be suffering from diabetes. Signs of diabetes in senior dogs include increased thirst, urinating more frequently, and decreased weight. The cause of diabetes in dogs is not known, but genetics, autoimmune disease, and abnormal protein deposits may play a role. Fortunately, diabetic dogs can live long, healthy lives. To identify the signs of diabetes, consult your veterinarian.
Diabetic dogs require daily injections of insulin under the skin to regulate the levels of glucose in their bloodstream. These injections don’t feel too bad for your dog and will soon become part of your routine. While insulin is required to manage diabetes, a proper diet is an essential part of treatment. Regular examinations, blood and urine tests, and careful monitoring of your pet’s eating habits are necessary for success. If you notice any signs of diabetes, consult your veterinarian to adjust your pet’s diet accordingly.
Kidney disease
There are several signs of canine kidney failure. Dilute urine may be an indication of the condition. In addition, ultrasounds or X-rays may show abnormal kidney shape. Sadly, no treatment is available for chronic kidney failure, but if diagnosed early, treatment can slow the progression of the disease and improve your dog’s quality of life. Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs can include anemia, fluid imbalances, and nausea. In most cases, treatment can be simple and affordable.
Early detection is essential for maximizing the life expectancy of a patient with kidney failure. A yearly urine sample from an aging pet can help determine the presence of renal failure. A urine sample can be obtained using a clean cup or pie pan. Urine samples should be stored in a refrigerator to prevent contamination. Urine samples can also be taken from cats. Cats will need a special litter for the urine sample.
Skin conditions
Senior dogs tend to have a weaker immune system than their younger counterparts, so skin disorders are more likely to affect them. Luckily, most of these disorders are treatable if they’re caught early enough. Some of the most common skin conditions among aging dogs are allergies, bacterial folliculitis, pyoderma, and otitis externa. If your senior dog exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian right away for an accurate diagnosis.
Some skin infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A veterinarian can help your dog manage these infections with antibiotics, topical vitamin A, or a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide. Some veterinarians also prescribe oral medications or antifungal medication to help your dog manage their skin problems. Inflammation is another common skin condition in senior dogs. The veterinarian may also prescribe a steroid to reduce the inflammation. A veterinarian can also perform a thorough examination to identify the specific type of ailment.
Urinary incontinence
If you notice that your dog tends to urinate at unexpected times, you may need to seek treatment for this condition. There are several ways to treat urinary incontinence, including surgery, urethral occluders, and bladder tacking. While none of these treatments are permanent, they can provide relief from your dog’s discomfort. Your vet can recommend other treatments if these do not work.
To diagnose a dog’s incontinence, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and blood tests to rule out underlying medical problems or infections. A veterinarian will also likely perform a urinalysis to determine if an infection is a cause. If the symptoms persist, the veterinarian may perform blood tests to determine if the dog has kidney disease, bladder stones, or an increased amount of urine production.
