Dogs are man’s best friend and we love them more than anything else. And as a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your pet’s quality of life is the best it can be, and health is an important part of this. Physical health goes hand in hand with emotional balance in dogs, and the following is a list of the most common problems dogs face, especially later in life. Whether or not you’re looking to research a particular problem you’ve noticed with your pet, or simply gain knowledge in the field to confidently assure your pet’s health in the future, this is a goldmine of helpful information .
1. Obesity
This is a sad truth for many dogs that are not fed the right diet in their daily lives. A treat every now and then is fine, and a great motivational tool during training, but feeding your dog too much indulgent material will not benefit his health – nor will it give him nutritionally weak meals. being obese can lead to a whole host of health problems in the long run, including putting pressure on their joints, putting their cardiovascular health at risk, and increasing the fatty tissue around their organs, which can have a chain effect on more serious conditions. If your dog gains weight for seemingly no reason, it could be a symptom of another more serious underlying condition. If you’re not sure what food to buy, consult your vet (who often has pet food available for purchase, which is the healthiest option for your dog).
2. Cancer
Cancer can occur at any age and in any health condition, that is the nature of spontaneous mutations. However, they become a greater risk in especially older dogs who tend to develop various types of bumps and lumps as they get older. Be sure to check your dog over several petting sessions to determine if any new bumps have formed or existing bumps have changed shape as this could be a sign of cancer and should be checked out immediately by a professional. But don’t panic! Most of the time, these bumps turn out to be warts, moles, or benign tumors, which doesn’t mean your pet has cancer. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and sometimes (though not often) it’s a good idea to have some of these skin lesions removed, so see your vet.
3. Cancer (Again!)
This condition needs a second warning, as the symptoms can manifest in ways other than changes on the skin (which are the easiest to detect). This is because different cancers (blood, brain, skin, etc.) have different symptoms, and some of these symptoms are so minor that they can be easily ignored. However, the earlier cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat so it may be in the best interest of both the owner and the dog to have routine general welfare checks organized on a regular basis. The treatment and cost of cancer treatment will depend on the type of cancer your dog has, so be sure to reach out to your vet and have an open line of communication.
4. Arthritis
Many dogs will develop arthritis over the course of their lives, and as with humans, these conditions are not necessarily life-threatening, but can become irritating sources of discomfort in their day-to-day lives. Arthritis is when the joints in your body change or become damaged, and the connecting bones begin to rub against each other, which can be very painful with sustained movement. This is especially common in weight-bearing joints, such as hips and knees, and can cause loss of lubricating fluids, the cushioning tissue, and in some cases alter the shape of the bone itself.
If you are looking for the best joint supplements for dogs, YuMove . offers a selection of joint supplements to help combat the loss or deterioration of cartilage, to prevent the pain and suffering that arthritis can cause in dogs. Their products are formulated specifically for dogs, and since arthritis is a progressive disease that tends to get worse with age, YuMove’s products contain glucosamine (a component of cartilage) to help stop the condition.
5. Kidney Problems
As dogs get older, the kidneys can become less effective at their function, which can: create problems in the overall health of your pet. It’s quite common for older puppies to develop some form of kidney disease, and this is usually a gradual process that can take some time to fully show symptoms. These symptoms may include increased or unnatural thirst and frequency of urination, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. It can start as simple kidney failure, but if left untreated, it can progress to kidney failure. While there is no certain cure for kidney disease (which is why it must be caught early), there are fortunately many options for managing the condition and preventing it from worsening. A common way to treat kidney disease is to switch diets to a prescription kidney diet – this is a less invasive, easy way to keep your dog as healthy as possible.
6. Going Deaf
Many dogs lose their hearing, especially in old age. This normally happens because of the degeneration of nerves associated with auditory interpretation, and the process is gradual and can occur over years. This is why it can be difficult to recognize at first, although in most cases there are no treatments available to stop hearing loss. Rest assured, however, that this is a condition that does not stop dogs from enjoying a high quality of life. As the owner, you will have a lot of time to adjust, and we recommend using visual cues to communicate with your pet, such as hand gestures or presenting objects such as a leash or food bowl.
7. Going Blind
Just as hearing can deteriorate over time, so can vision, although some may find this more difficult. Nerve degeneration around the eye can cause loss of vision although this will usually happen over time and you may find your dog bumping into things more often and not recognizing people or objects until they are very close. If your dog suffers from vision problems, make sure that you keep him on a leash at all times during a walk, unless he is very familiar with his surroundings. Be wary of traffic as your dog may not see a car, bus or cyclist until it is too late and possibly concerned in an accident. Fortunately, dogs can adapt well to a life without sight, with a sharp smell and hearing.
Dogs are not able to communicate exactly when something is wrong, and many will not even understand the changes that may occur. That’s why it’s so important to stay vigilant and give your dog the care and attention it deserves as your lifelong companion. If you suspect that your pet is ill, always take him to a professional veterinarian and for further in-depth questions, please contact him by phone or email. It is best to keep your vet informed of your dog’s health as their history can be recorded as a useful aid in future diagnosis should the need arise.
Updated March 14, 2021
by Janus Atienza