Aging is a natural life occurrence that happens to every human and animal. Yet, what you may not know is that dogs age a lot faster than their owners. Depending on the size and breed of your canine, getting older may come even quicker than other dogs. As your furry family member gets older they go through changes and experience declines in their health. Paying attention to your pooch can help you to detect things earlier for a faster resolution to their pain and/or discomfort. Below, are some of the common health factors to be on the lookout for with your elderly dog.
Deteriorating Eyesight
One of the first things your dog might experience as they age is a decline in their vision. Since your dog can’t tell you that they’re having difficulty seeing, you’ll need to pay close attention to their behavior. If you see them bumping into things or their eyes seem cloudy in appearance, you need to have this looked at right away. It could very well be a common part of aging, but it could also be eye disease which is painful for your pet to go through.
Hearing Loss
The next thing an aging dog might experience is partial or complete hearing loss. If you’ve been shouting demands to your canine and it doesn’t appear that they’re listening to you, it could be way more than disobedience. Your dog could be suffering from an ear infection or growth, but it could also be the irreversible signs of aging.
Limited Mobility
Does it seem like your dog is moving a lot slower than usual? Perhaps they’re not as active as they once used to be? Limited or declining mobility is common in elderly dogs. They could be suffering from a common condition known as arthritis. You can try and soothe their pain with the use of Canna-Pet hemp products, an organic CBD supplement based in the U.S., while also incorporating more antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids into their diets to reduce inflammation.
CBD has been studied at Colorado State University as well as Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. Canna-Pet has been pioneering this research and plans to launch clinical trials at Auburn in 2019.
Weight Problems
As your dog gets older and becomes less mobile, they will require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. It’s recommended that owners do their part by switching to a diet specifically for senior dogs. If you notice that your dog is overweight, this is something you shouldn’t ignore as it can result in conditions like diabetes or heart problems. The same goes for an underweight dog. If you can’t seem to get your dog to eat, this could mean that something more serious is going on.
Trouble Urinating
Has your dog started having accidents around the house? It may appear to be sheer disobedience, but in reality, it could mean that your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection. Very common among senior dogs, urinary tract infections can make it more difficult for them to use the restroom or cause them to sporadically use it. There are medications that have proven helpful, however, your dog could simply be having bladder control issues as a result of getting older. Dog diapers would essentially be the next best solution.
Dental Problems
Bad breath, increased drooling, tooth decay, and inflamed gums are all very common in elderly dogs. Proper oral care for your dog is recommended to try and relieve the pain and discomfort.
Skin Issues
That beautiful fur you once admired about your dog may start to fade with time. It is not uncommon for older dogs to experience skin issues as well as hair loss. Rashes and other skin problems should be checked out by a vet, but can also be helped with dietary changes and supplements.
Just as humans go through changes in their health as they age, the same is true for dogs. Though some of these health factors may be unavoidable or untreatable, early detection is key. Take care of your aging pooch by making sure you visit the vet regularly, feed them the proper nutrition, give them plenty of exercises, and all the love and attention you can spare. This will help them live out their golden years in complete happiness and bliss.