It’s vital to remember that dogs, like any animal, are adept at concealing the signs of disease. It’s all about living in the wild, where they must shield themselves from predators by making themselves appear as strong as possible. It may be hard to tell if your dog is ill because it’s likely to try to conceal its disease.
A human year is roughly the equivalent of seven dog years, meaning you can expect to notice some signs of aging in your pet’s body sooner than you do in humans. Many of these issues, like the gradual loss of vision and hearing and decreased activities, are expected and indicative of the aging of your dog’s body.
Identifying a Sick Senior Pet
A few things your dog might be doing suggest the presence of a health issue that can be controlled or prevented from developing if identified at an early stage. The earlier your pet’s problems are discovered, the better options you and your veterinarian have for slowing/halting disease progression and treating its condition. Here are several signs that your older dog may be suffering from illness.
1. Physical Manifestations
The easily visible symptoms are often the most straightforward to identify. The appearance of your senior dog could reveal clues to whether or not the dog is suffering from an illness. Here are some indicators to look for: crusty discharge-filled or an odor ear. If your dog is unhappy with its ears, as evidenced by pawing at them and shaking their head, it may suffer from an ear infection.
Other symptoms are eye discharge, a blurred appearance or change in eye color; poor-looking, balding, or otherwise poor-looking fur; gums that are pale, discolored, or white; skin lesions such as sores, scaling, rashes, and the formation of pus.
2. Behavioral Changes
Changes in behavior are a natural aspect of aging. Many senior dogs, for instance, slow down, become less active, and appear more settled in their routines. Nonetheless, you must consult your veterinarian or visit a reputable facility like San Jose animal hospital if your dog is showing behavior changes.
There are several indicators of troublesome behavior: sudden anger, aversion to physical contact, excessive vocalization, confusion, and fearful reactions being suddenly separated from loved ones or a loved one, like running away or hiding.
3. Changes in Bathroom Habits
In most cases, once a dog reaches its senior years, it has developed a routine. It must go toilet. But, a lot of illnesses can appear suddenly through digestive issues.
Bathroom accidents, more frequent or less frequent excretion and urination, and increased effort during bowel movements indicate that your dog may be experiencing urinary stress or bowel issues. You should speak with your veterinarian if you notice a sudden shift in your dog’s potty habits. You can also avail of pet surgery to correct your pet’s disorder and give your pet a longer time to live.
4. Appetite Changes
For your dog’s senior years, feeding it a high-quality diet designed for its needs is crucial. Contact a veterinarian expert in geriatric pet care if it suddenly stops eating or refuses to take food.
It may be experiencing discomfort due to its teeth, a common problem for old-age dogs who often suffer from periodontal disease. But there’s always a chance that something more serious may make it lose its appetite.
5. Gut Instinct
Because of your extensive time together, you are the only person who truly understands your dog. Studies have shown that pet owners rely upon their “gut” when making animal choices. Bring your senior dog to see your doctor if you notice anything wrong with them.
Do not delay contacting us if you suspect your dog is suffering. Giving your dog the medical attention it requires to live its senior years starts with a prompt diagnosis.
