If your dog is about to reach 7 or 8 years old, you will have to prepare yourself to face the most common illnesses of the older stage. Some of them are not so easy to identify, but going to the vet regularly will help you to start preventing them and, where appropriate, to treat them. When you read the information we give you below, you will realise how little difference there is between a person and a dog during old age.
The most common illnesses of your adult dog
It is not always easy to notice when a dog has left its young period to become an adult. You just have to observe its behaviour to understand that your best friend is starting to show problems typical of an advanced age. So that you understand it better, we show you the typical ailments of the adult stage.
Osteoarthritis
This disease, which humans also suffer from, is very typical in dogs. It is preceded by the wear of the cartilages that join the bones. When this problem occurs, you can observe greater difficulty walking, less desire to go for walks and a refusal, on the part of your pet, to go up and down the stairs.
The latter is a consequence of the pain that moving or making a greater effort causes them. You can prevent this ailment by trying to ensure your dog does not overexert itself and, when it reaches an adult age, keeping it away from stairs and long walks. To treat osteoarthritis there are painkillers, the application of massages and, if the case arises, the vet could advise a surgical operation.
Deafness and blindness
The loss of these senses is common in older dogs. Although they will keep leading their normal life, despite their sight and hearing gradually being affected, thanks to their powerful sense of smell.
These conditions cannot always be prevented. Treatment is also complicated, unless the problems in their eyes have to do with cataracts, which, fortunately, can be remedied by means of an operation.
Kidney disease
Do not be surprised to see that your dog fails in its urinary continence. If it urinates in places it used to respect, you will have to consider that it no longer holds its urine well, due to its age. To this can be added nausea and loss of appetite.
Unfortunately, this is a chronic disease, arising from a pathology. The vet will determine the appropriate treatment to reduce the symptoms mentioned above.
Dementia
Like elderly people, your dog can develop cognitive dysfunction. This does not usually happen in all canines, just as it does not happen in all elderly people, since it has a genetic origin, difficult to predict.
Medication recommended by the vet can help your best friend with certain symptoms, such as insomnia, disorientation, etc.
Obesity
Obesity is normal in older dogs, due to the normal hormonal imbalances and to a sedentary life. Preventing this is simple, by means of a suitable diet and a minimum of daily exercise.
Illnesses in dogs of advanced age are common. Recognising the ailments and seeking veterinary help is a priority. It will help you to have insurance that covers all this care.
