Elderly Dog ​​diseases And Their Treatment

Old age affects both people and animals. A dog over 8 years of age is already considered elderly. In large breeds, this can happen even earlier. From that moment on, the animal will start to suffer imbalances in its health status, including Alzheimer’s. That won’t change, even if the dog has lived a good lifestyle. Therefore, let’s find out more about the diseases that affect the elderly dog.

The diseases that affect the elderly dog ​​can be very delicate

When the disease arrives, it is normal for the animal’s personality to be altered. There will be less resistance and will. It is possible that you start to suffer from hearing or vision problems. Also, it will be normal for him to show a little apathetic behavior and not want to leave the house.

It is very important to know what are the diseases that affect the elderly dog. That way, the owner will have access to adequate preparation.

Main diseases that affect the elderly dog ​​and their treatments

Arthritis

It is the best known among canine old age diseases. Furthermore, it manifests itself in people and other animals. the symptoms of  arthritis  will be the same in the dog and in the person. Joint and bone pain, discomfort when performing movements, among others.

If caught early enough, arthritis is treatable. Although it is a progressive disease, there are several ways to curb its impact on the animal’s body. The veterinarian will be responsible for recommending the correct treatment to fight arthritis. It is important to look for this professional when the first symptoms occur in the animal.

kidney diseases

Most elderly dogs suffer from kidney problems. It is a chronic disease. It usually starts to manifest itself in the form of kidney failure. There are clear symptoms that warn of this type of illness. Loss of appetite and nausea are two of the main symptoms.

As with arthritis, these diseases cannot be cured. Still, it is controllable, even in aged dogs.  advanced . The veterinarian will prescribe adequate medication to reduce the discomfort caused by kidney disease.

Deafness

It is also one of the most common illnesses that affect the elderly dog. Deafness is a very uncomfortable disease for our pets. Therefore, it will be necessary to develop the animal’s visual attention very well. In cases of deafness, it is common for him to start using his eyes to communicate more.

Blindness

Along with deafness, blindness is another common disease among older dogs. We can differentiate two types of blindness. One is degenerative blindness, which cannot be cured. The other is related to cataracts. For the latter, surgery may be considered.

It’s good to remember that eyesight, while very important, is not critical in a dog. A blind dog will perfectly maintain his lifestyle habits. The most important thing will always be to conserve your sense of smell. This is the vital meaning for dogs.

cognitive dysfunction

Like people, dogs also suffer from cognitive impairment. This is very common in old age. Among the symptoms of this disease is the insomnia , disorientation, confusion, among others. In such cases, it is necessary to seek out the veterinarian. The professional will be able to prescribe adequate medication to control this disease.

Cancer

This dreaded disease is not unique to humans. Dogs also suffer from cancer. It arises in dogs due to two major factors. One is food, and the other is the great pollution of the environment. It must not be forgotten that it is a silent disease. To be able to detect it, it is essential to consult the veterinarian frequently.

The same thing that happens in humans, cancer diagnosed early can be fought. It is a very delicate disease.

Obesity

Dogs can also have a high degree of obesity . This aspect can manifest itself at any age, but it will be in old age when it will cause the greatest harm. Treats and sedentary lifestyle are key factors in animals as well. The elderly and obese dog will start to experience joint pain. These symptoms may be warning signs of heart and kidney disease.

The correct diet of the animal is essential for its good health. Many of the diseases that affect the elderly dog ​​arise from poor eating habits.

Knowing about all these diseases makes it much easier to detect them in time. The animal’s organism functions almost like that of an elderly person. And the same happens with people, the attention and care given to these pets must be greater.