Older Dogs Health Problems

Understanding Your Older Dogs Health Problems.

Dogs that are considered to be older or senior dogs begin to show signs of aging as early as seven years of age, depending upon the breed. Smaller dogs such as poodles may not begin to show signs of aging until around 10 to 12 years of age while larger breeds such as Great Danes or St. Bernards can began exhibiting older dogs' health problems much sooner. It's important for owners to understand and know what to look for when it comes to their older dogs health problems.

As with humans, there are several older dogs health problems and diseases that can affect them as they age, but the more common are as follows:? Hearing loss? Joint and bone problems? Teeth and gum issues? Decrease in liver and kidney functions? Eyes and ears problems? Skin, coat and nail changes? Cardio problemsAs owners, you can't stop the aging process or your older dogs health problems; however, it's important that you pay attention to your pet to insure that their older years are as enjoyable as the earlier ones. Older dogs health problems will vary, but there are common signs of aging and complications that you can look for.Your dog will begin to slow down which is usually a first sign of aging.

Pay close attention to things such as diet changes, weight loss or weight gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, incontinence, constipation and/or behavior changes which can all be a sign of older dogs health problems.By recognizing older dogs health problems early, obtaining the correct supplements or medications needed, adjusting your dog's environment according to its changing needs, and adjusting how you interact and react to your dog can help to make your dog's later years as pleasant as possible and will help you and your vet in caring for your older dogs health problems.