Common Problems of Older Dogs
Just as preventive care was stressed in the health chapter, it will be stressed again here. You can fend off so many major problems by being alert and attentive to your dog's overall health every day.
Aching and Stiffness
If your dog is having trouble getting up and down stairs, or takes some lame steps every once in a while, you can suspect an arthritis problem. Your veterinarian can suggest something to alleviate the pain. Options abound these days, and you should do all you can to keep your older dog comfortable. Your veterinarian can go over recommended treatments with you.
Your veterinarian can supply a number of well-known prescription drugs to help your long-time friend over some of the affects of this most common of aging ailments. However, light exercise — such as short, slow walks — is also helpful to ward off the effects of the onset of arthritis. Talk to your veterinarian about how much exercise your dog should get.
Suspicious Lumps and Bumps
Many dogs develop lumps and bumps over their bodies as they age. If you notice any on your dog, you should have them examined by the veterinarian as soon as possible. Most are simply fatty growths, but some can be tumors, and it's important in those cases to have them biopsied to determine if they're cancerous.
Vision and Hearing
Other functions you'll want to monitor are your dog's vision and hearing. Most dogs develop cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) as their vision deteriorates, but not all do. Your dog may be losing her sight and you may not notice. Dogs with impaired vision are still able to get around almost normally, especially in familiar territory, because they are so familiar with their homes and immediate vicinity and because their other senses are so developed.
The same can be true of hearing loss. Your dog may not respond to you as quickly, but if she sees you calling to her or knows that when you come home she gets her dinner shortly thereafter, she'll still respond. The veterinarian can perform more conclusive tests if you suspect your dog is losing her sight or hearing.
