What causes weight loss in a senior dog?
This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat. Dental disease is certainly not the only disease that can lead to weight loss. Senior dogs frequently suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss. On the other hand, some senior dogs may have the opposite problem.
What can be a problem for an older dog?
He may have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable position to sleep in. He may become reluctant to go up and down stairs or have difficulty getting into and out of the car. Without proper care, dental disease can pose a problem, particularly for older pets.
Why do parents fail to recognize signs of older dogs?
Many parents to older dogs fail to recognize the early warning signs of many easily-treatable diseases. Mainly because these symptoms in elderly dogs are often subtle changes which are misconstrued as normal signs of aging.
What happens when a senior dog loses his teeth?
If nothing is done to care for your dog’s mouth, by the time your dog is a senior, he may even have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your dog to avoid or have difficulty eating his meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat. Dental disease is certainly not the only disease that can lead to weight loss.
Why do older dogs have so many behavioral problems?
Aging can also change their social relationships with you and other pets in your home. Understanding the changes your dog is undergoing can help you compassionately and effectively deal with behavior problems that may arise in your dog’s senior years.
Is it normal for an older dog to lose weight?
Generally seniors will lose or gain a little bit of weight as they age, but weight loss is a significant symptom for many serious diseases that affect older dogs. If your dog exhibits increased thirst, increased appetite, and they lose weight, they could be suffering from diabetes.
Many parents to older dogs fail to recognize the early warning signs of many easily-treatable diseases. Mainly because these symptoms in elderly dogs are often subtle changes which are misconstrued as normal signs of aging.
What are the signs of an aging dog?
As dog parents, we have to keep a close watch on any changes and symptoms, both physical and behavioral, that our aging dogs may exhibit. Such changes and signs often indicate that our senior dogs are developing some form of health problems.