Canine Care: Common Diseases Dogs Can Develop With Age

Like people, dogs can develop different diseases as they age. While this is perfectly normal, pet owners should know how to care for pups with these health complications, plus possible ways to prevent them.

Some of the most common diseases dogs can develop with age include arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. The more you know about your pet’s health, the easier it is to give them the best possible life!

Arthritis

Dogs can suffer from joint pain just like their senior human companions. As a result, it may be harder for your furry friend to get on and off the couch. In some cases, dogs lose interest in the walks they once loved because of the pain it causes them.

Some common symptoms of arthritis in canines include:

Loss of appetite
Sudden stiffness in limbs
Limping or struggling to walk
Struggling to use the stairs

When canines develop arthritis, they may also whine or yelp in pain if you touch them. Luckily, there are a few ways to treat this, such as water therapy or canine massages. Consult your vet before doing anything to make the ideal decision for your pooch.

Diabetes

Dogs can get diabetes at any age, but it’s more common in senior dogs. Most canines won’t develop it until they’re at least 5 years old, and for a larger breed, this is already middle age. Like with people, diabetes impacts a canine’s blood sugar levels which could damage their organs.

In addition to seniors, diabetes is more common in overweight dogs, unspayed females, and those with other underlying health conditions. This is genetic and more common in specific breeds, like many canine diseases.

Typically, you can do genetic testing on your dog to view its genealogy and know whether they’re at risk. By understanding this common disease dogs can develop with age, you can take preventative measures.

Treating Canine Diabetes

If the vet diagnoses your pup with diabetes, you’ll need to change your canine’s diet to ensure they have enough fiber and protein. You could feed your dog cooked eggs as a healthy snack they’ll love since eggs are high in protein and great for their coat!

You should also understand how to give your dog insulin to avoid common mistakes. You’ll need to inject it in the appropriate area of the body and use the right type of syringe.

Heart Disease

A dog that develops heart disease often struggles to catch their breath. As a result, your furry friend may seem tired more often than usual. Rather than enjoy a long walk with you, they may want to keep it short so they can get home to relax on the couch.

Preventing It

One of the best ways to prevent the risk of your dog developing heart disease is by tending to their physical needs. Going for regular walks or playing fetch keeps their heart pumping.

Vets also recommend feeding your pup healthy fats and canine-friendly foods rich in amino acids. By prioritizing your dog’s health, you can enjoy countless adventures together.

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