The Following Are Some Of The More Common Older Dog Illness
And Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs!

As dogs age they become prone to certain older dog illness and diseases. While it is important to provide your dog with routine Veterinary care at any age, it is critical during their twilight years. Early detection often prevents larger problems down the road. The following are the most common dog disease and dog illnesses for older dogs.

Dog Illnesses Facing Geriatric Canines

Obesity - Older Dog Illness

Diet is the one thing that can be controlled and has a huge impact on the quality of your dog's life. Unfortunately, as the dog ages many dog owners become nonchalant regarding their dog's diet.

Weight management and exercise are extremely important to your geriatric dog. Manage weight by regulating the amount of treats you feed and avoiding the urge to give your dog a little of everything that you are eating. Feed your dog according to the manufacturers guidelines.

By feeding a good, Nourishing and All Natural Food; your dog will feel satisfied. Last but not least, take your dog for a daily walk or several small walks throughout the day.

Arthritis And Hip Dysplasia - Older Dog Illness

Both are a common and affect all breeds, yet Hip Dysplasia usually impacts the large and giant breeds. For many breeds, both diseases are heriditary. Yet, there is no cure for either and they can only be managed to reduce the pain.

One critical part of managing your dog's Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia is to keep your dog at a healthy weight. This alone can decrease the threshold of pain and suffering. Slow to rise, difficulty with stairs and uncarpeted floors and restless nights are all Symptoms of Arthritis. Morning stiffness, bunny hopping, altered gait, difficulty with stairs are Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia.

Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease

Whereas Dental Disease is a one of the largest health issues facing geriatric dogs, Veterinarians indicate that this is the number one dog disease facing dogs of all ages. Gingivitis aka Inflammation Of The Gums is a very painful condition which causes inflammation and bleeding around the gumline. These deep pockets around the gumline harbor food particles and bacteria. This bacteria is believed to contribute towards larger health problems such as Heart, Liver and Kidney Disease.

Again, this is a health issue that dog owners can control with a little TLC and effort. Brush or Rinse, just do something. Learn More About Preventing Periodontal Disease In Your Aging Dog.

Eye Problems

Just like people, a dog's eye sight will worsen with age. Common dog illnesses affecting the eye are Cataracts and Keratoconjunctivitis (Dry Eye). A cloudy eye is and indication of Cataracts while an inflammed inter eyelid is a symptom of Dry Eye.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome AKA Canine Senility

Their is treatment for this older dog illness once your Veterinarian diagnoses it. The standard treatment is an oral medication called "Anipryl" which is the brand name or "Selegiline" which is the generic version and less costly. Selegiline is available in a 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 30mg tablet form.

Your dog's weight will determine the daily milligrams needed. If the medicine works for your old pup, he will most likely need to stay on it the rest of his life.

Warning: Dogs being treated for external parasites should not be given Anipryl. Also, dogs being treated with anti-depressants for separation anxiety, etc. should not be given Anipryl. It is imperative that conditions such as brain tumors and any other abnormality be completely ruled out before treating your dog with Selegiline (AniprylŪ Pfizer). Symptoms of CDS include:

•  Disoriented, gets stuck behind furniture or lost in his yard
•  Night pacing
•  Urinating/defecating in the home which is unusual behavior
•  Staring into space
•  Not recognizing family or friends
•  Activity level decreased
•  Becoming aggressive
•  Forget how to use the stairs

More Dog Illnesses

Meninges Tumors - Older Dog Illness

The membranes that line the skull and vertebrae column are called "Meninges". A Meninges Tumor starts on the skull and grows outward away from the skull itself. It is a slow growing tumor that compresses the brain.

More often than not, Meninges Tumor's are benign and do not spread to other areas of the dog's body. The problem is that as the tumor grows, it causes inflammation of the brain tissue and this leads to nerve damage in the brain. Surgery is the traditional method of treating any type of brain tumor. Symptoms Of Meninges Tumors:

•  Walking in Circles
•  Blindness
•  Dragging Feet
•  Breathing Difficulty
•  Drunken Gait
•  Limb Eeakness
•  Eye Symmetry
•  Impaired Mental Ability

Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease is a Metabolic disease and very common in older dogs. With early diagnosis, many dogs can live comfortably with diet change and medications. If your dog has any of these symptoms, see your Vet immediately:

•  Consuming excessive amounts of water
•  Frequent urination
•  Vomiting
•  Diarrhea
•  Not eating, loss of appetite or avoiding certain foods
•  Little color in urine
•  Lethargic
•  Weakness and lack of coordination

Heart Disease - Older Dog Illness

The most common of type of Heart Disease in dogs is Chronic Valvular. This is a condition that is characterized by the degeneration and thickening of the heart valve. Symptoms to watch for include:

•  Difficulty breathing
•  Coughing
•  Avoiding exercise
•  Fainting

Diagnostic testing is needed to diagnose CVD. Treatment of CVD generally includes Diuretics, Angiotensin Inhibitors, Positive Inotropic Medication and a salt restricted diet. Your Vet will want to monitor your dog on a regular basis.

Bladder Stones AKA Canine Urolithiasis

Older dogs are at a high risk for developing bladder stones and they are more common in females than males. Traditional treatment of Bladder Stones largely depends on where the stones are within the urinary tract. Most Veterinarians will recommend a diet change to prevent future stones. Cranberry extract is another option of treatment. Symptoms of Bladder Stones are:

•  Blood in the urine
•  Painful urination
•  Small and frequent urinating habits

Endocrine System Disorders

Although there are several dog illnesses and disorders associated with the Canine Endocrine System, Cushings Disease and Hypothroidism are the two that affect senior dogs more than others.

Cushings Disease is a disorder whereas excessive amounts of Cortisol are released into the system causing illness. The thyroid gland regulates your dog's metabolism and Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid gland when not enough hormone is produced.

The most common traditional treatment for Cushing Disease is a medication called "Lysodren" with stimulation tests performed on 3-6 month intervals. Symptoms of Cushings Disease include:

•  Increased thirst and urination
•  Ravenous appetite
•  Muscle weakness
•  Distended abdomen
•  Alopecia or thinning hair
•  Thin wrinkled skin
•  Calcified bumps on the skin surface
•  Hyperpigmentation of the skin
•  Chronic and/or frequent infections
•  Obesity

The most common traditional treatment for Hypothyroidism is a daily dose of Thyroxine. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include:

•  Lethargy
•  Dry Skin/Coat
•  Heavy shedding
•  Hyperpigmentation
•  Low tolerance to the cold
•  Slow heart rate
•  Anemia
•  Weight gain
•  High cholesterol levels

Diabetes (also an Endocrine System Disorder)

Diabetes is an older dog illness with two types affecting dogs. Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus are both the result of the inability of the dog's system to produce hormones. Diabetes Insipidus is brought on by the lack of Vasopressin; an anti-diuretic that controls the kidneys absorption of water. Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by the lack of insulin.

Older dogs are at a higher risk for Diabetes as well larger dogs and overweight females. Diabetes MUST BE controlled. If left uncontrolled the dog can slip into a dangerous life threatening condition known as Ketoacidosis caused by low insulin levels. Ketoacidosis can be Quick and Fatal.

Insulin therapy, diet and exercise are the traditional methods of treatment for Canine Diabetes. Symptoms of Diabetes include:

•  Drinking more water than usual
•  Urinating more often
•  Increased appetite
•  Weight loss
•  Dehydration
•  The sudden formation of cataracts
•  Sticky urine

Skin Tumors

Lumps, tags and bumps are common in the older dog, yet owners should watch for an increase in size, shape and color change. Fatty deposits or Limpomas are benign tumors that are usually large, lumpy and common for senior dogs. Veterinarians will usually want to check the dog to be on the safe side. If determined that it is indeed a fatty deposit, most Vet's agree to leave it alone while keeping an eye on it.

Watch for skin tags that suddenly change in color or start to bleed.

Incontinence - Older Dog Illness

Geriatric dogs often leak urine when lying down or sleeping. Read more on Treating Canine Incontinence.

Prostate Problems - Older Dog Illness

Unneutered senior males are at high risk for prostate disease. Infections, abscesses, enlargement, cysts and tumors are common for geriatric males.

Cancer

This older dog illness affects canines the same way the same way as humans. The good news is that early detection has a tremendous effect on successful treatment. More About Canine Cancer Dog Disease (this takes you away from our site)

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