Health Problems for Senior Dogs - Hearing Loss, Sight Problems & Tumors

As your dog ages, certain physical changes take place. They are as natural as they are inevitable. While some dogs escape many of the difficulties associated with old age, many do not. There are just some health problems you and your dog need to recognize as normal. You need to be aware of these physical changes and the results. Once you realize this is normal, you can adjust your life accordingly. You can also then make sure your dog is comfortable and enjoying the remainder of his or her life.

Hearing Loss

Is Kiley not paying attention as much as she used to? Is she actually not hearing the refrigerator door opening? Can you actually sneak out of the house and back in without having to go through a session of “Can I come?” These are signs Kiley is suffering from hearing loss. Of all the senses, hearing is one of the first to decrease.

Hearing loss in an older dog may range from minimal to total. Factors affecting the outcome include infections, past and present, as well as genetics. Have a vet examine the ears to insure there is no physical or medical problem.
While dog drops may help with ear infections, there is nothing you can do medically for age-related hearing loss. You can make life easier for your dog. Do not sneak up on your dog. Make sure they are aware of your presence in advance. Talk a little louder. Clap your hands or stamp your feet to get his or her’s attention. If you have used signing in the past, it will now come in handy.

Sight Problems

Eye problems also surface, as your dog grows older. Some are part of the natural process of aging. The eyes become cloudy. They are hazy. Their color is not as clear and as bright as a pup’s. This is nothing about which to worry.
You may need to make suitable adjustments. Do not randomly move furniture. It can cause confusion and possible physical harm to your pet. Make sure your pet has notice of your coming. Do not suddenly appear in their line of vision. Overall, be considerate of your companion. Make sure his or her environment is a safe place.

If the eyes are not cloudy but are white and opaque, take your dog to the vet. These are signs of cataracts. Cataracts, glaucoma and dry eye are all possible illnesses affecting your aging dog’s eyes. You can treat all of them.

Cataracts may require an operation. Your vet will remove the problem. Cataracts can, however, reoccur. In the case of glaucoma, the increase of fluids on the eye can result in blindness if you let it go untreated. There are two options: surgery and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. Discuss with your vet the best route to take.
In instances of dry eye, you may be able to help by employing eye-drops. Other viable options include surgery and anti-inflammatories. It will depend upon the age of the dog, the severity of the problem, other health factors and the overall condition of the dog.

Tumors and Cancer

Finding a growth on your dog’s body can be frightening. Yet, not all growths are cancerous. Tumors appear on various parts of a dog’s body, as they get older. Many are fatty tissues. They are benign growths. There is no harm in them, although they may be aesthetically displeasing.

Benign tumors may be localized infections. They may not spread anywhere. Your vet may tell by examination or through a biopsy whether the growth is benign or malignant. Your dog may require treatment if the growth presents a threat to life or quality of life. Treatment may be removal through surgery. It can also include homeopathic approaches. Discuss with your vet the best options. In cases of advanced age and slow growing tumors, you may decide to do nothing. Surgery may be invasive and recovery time slow. It may be a race to see whether the cancer or old age claims your dog first.

Whatever the illness or health issue take great care of your aging canine companion. Make arrangements and allowances for this new stage of life. Deal with it with sensibility and sensitivity. Consult your vet when necessary, but do not make the vet’s your dog’s second home. Above all, be aware of the natural problems of old age. Recognize them and adjust yourself accordingly. This are your dog’s Golden Years. Make sure they shine as bright as his or her glory days.

Information provided by Erica Stern of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our diverse variety of active dog toys online.