Senior Dogs: 10 Most Common Health Issues

Osteoarthritis, more commonly known as arthritis, is a very common cause of joint pain and stiffness in dogs, especially senior dogs. Large and giant breeds and overweight dogs are more at risk than smaller breeds. Arthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes loss of lubrication and the wearing away of cartilage in the joints. Although there is no cure, there are a number of things that can help reduce pain and slow the progression of this disease. Chat to your vet about medications, weight loss and whether a dietetic pet food to support joint health might help your dog. It’s also worth looking at things you can do in the home environment to make your dog more comfortable. 

Signs of arthritis in senior dogs

• Stiffness, especially after sleeping or resting
• Reluctance to get in the car or on or off furniture
• Difficulty going up and down stairs
• Interacting less
• Spending more time sleeping or lying down
• Sitting in odd positions
• Fear or reluctance to walk on slippery floors

Like people, dogs can lose cognitive function as they age, resulting in symptoms similar to those of senility or Alzheimer's in humans. Confusion and disorientation, whining or barking for no apparent reason, appearing to get lost in familiar surroundings, and bathroom accidents can all be signs of cognitive dysfunction. These symptoms can also indicate other conditions, so it's best to talk to your veterinarian if you notice these behaviours in your dog. Like osteoarthritis, there is no cure for dementia, but it can often be helped with certain medications and antioxidant-enriched foods. 

Signs of canine cognitive dysfunction

• Broken sleep patterns, sleeping during the day and awake and active at night
• Aimless pacing
• Confusion; for example, asking to go out and then standing there as if they’re not sure what to do
• Loss of toileting control
• Whining and barking for no reason
• Apparent loss of recall or ignoring commands
• Less interaction with people and other animals 

The terminology around cancer can be confusing. In basic terms, the word ‘tumour’ can be used for any mass. A cancerous tumour is one that is malignant, which means it spreads through the surrounding tissues to other parts of the body. A non-cancerous tumour is benign and just grows where it is without spreading. The most common tumours are skin and mammary tumours, the latter being especially common in unspayed females.

A very common benign tumour in senior dogs are lipomas, which are fatty lumps that appear under the skin. They grow slowly and are nothing to worry about unless they get to a size that causes issues. They can very occasionally turn cancerous but this is rare. It’s always worth getting all lumps and bumps checked by your vet. In general, benign tumours are slow-growing, non-painful, mobile and don’t ulcerate, while conversely, malignant tumours tend to grow quickly, feel firmly attached and bleed and ulcerate. Of course, some cancers grow internally and can’t be seen or felt, so they may cause other signs depending on where they are.

Signs of cancer in senior dogs

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

• Exercise intolerance

• Coughing

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Ulcerated lumps or skin

• Lameness

If you ever suspect a tumour, see your vet as soon as possible, because the earlier you intervene, the better the outlook for possible treatment.

Heart disease can also develop as dogs age. The most common heart diseases found in dogs include mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathy (disease of the cardiac muscle) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart isn't able to pump blood efficiently and fluid backs up in the heart, lungs and chest cavity. Coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, loss of consciousness and unexplained vomiting are all signs of possible heart disease and should be checked out by a vet right away. Some breeds of dog are much more prone to heart disease, the most affected being the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Larger breeds such as Dobermans, boxers and Great Danes are also prone.

Signs of heart disease in senior dogs

• Exercise intolerance

• Lethargy

• Coughing

• Collapse

• Swollen abdomen

• Weight loss

Obesity is becoming a major health issue in dogs, cats and humans alike. It’s thought that about 50-60% of dogs are overweight or obese. Not only does obesity increase the likelihood of diseases such as arthritis and heart disease but we also know that it shortens life expectancy considerably. Keeping your dog slim for life is very important for avoiding disease and having as long as possible with your furry best friend. As dogs age, they burn fewer calories and so need lower-calorie foods that are still filling. Talk to your vet about whether your dog is overweight and what food would be best for them. Soaking dry food, feeding them wet food and splitting the ration into 3-4 meals a day can all help to keep your dog feeling fuller.

Signs of obesity in senior dogs

• Weight gain

• Lethargy

• Reduced ability to exercise

• You can no longer see or feel ribs, shoulder blades or hips

• Outline of your dog’s body becomes rectangular

Older dogs sometimes have urinary accidents as the muscles controlling the bladder weaken. This type of incontinence is much more common in female dogs that have been spayed. Incontinence can also be a sign of a bigger problem like a urinary tract infection, bladder stones or possibly even dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction. If these issues are not a one-time occurrence, it's best to talk to your vet. Some older dogs may also develop faecal incontinence if the nerve supply to their hindquarters is affected.

Signs of incontinence in senior dogs

• Leaking urine, especially when getting up or exerting themselves

• Wet fur around the rear end

• Smell of urine

• Damp patches on bedding

• Excessive licking around the genitals

• Struggling to urinate or passing only a small amount of urine 

• Loss of faecal control

As our dogs age, they are more prone to problems with their endocrine system. The three most common issues are below and often have very similar signs and symptoms.

1. Hypothyroidism. This is an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism, so hypothyroid dogs tend to be lethargic, have poor coats and gain weight for no apparent reason.

2. Diabetes. Diabetes can occur at an early age due to genetics or an immune issue, but older dogs are more prone to developing diabetes.

3. Cushing’s disease. The proper name for this is hyperadrenocorticism. It’s an overproduction of the body’s natural steroids.

Signs of endocrine diseases in senior dogs

• Excessive thirst and urination

• Poor coat, hair loss, bald patches

• Weight changes, either gaining or losing weight depending on the disease

• Lethargy

• Pot belly

• Appetite changes, eating either more or less than usual

Kidneys tend to lose some of their function as dogs get older. While chronic kidney disease is progressive and can't be cured, it can be managed with proper treatment, prolonging your dog's life and improving their quality of life. The kidneys are incredibly good at compensating as their function declines. This means that often, by the time you see clinical signs, the disease is already fairly advanced. Routine blood tests for your senior pet can catch kidney disease in the early stages and improve your dog's longevity. One of the major proven factors in management of kidney disease in dogs is changing to a dietetic pet food. That said, never start your dog on a renal diet without talking to your vet. The formulations of these foods are not always appropriate for some dogs with other health issues.

Signs of kidney disease in older dogs

• Drinking excessively

• Frequent urination

• Bad breath

• Weight loss

• Poor body condition and poor coat

• Vomiting

Dental disease affects over 80% of middle-aged dogs and becomes more prevalent with increasing age, so it’s very common in senior dogs. Dental disease may seem like a minor problem, but it can lead to loss of teeth, infected gums, general septicaemia and damage to other organs such as the heart. Your vet will check your dog’s teeth whenever they have a clinical exam, but if you notice any of the following signs in between check-ups, see your vet so you can nip it in the bud. You can find out more about how to prevent and treat dental disease in dogs here.

Signs of dental disease in senior dogs

• Yellow to brown build up on the teeth

• Inflamed, red gums - gingivitis

• Bad breath

• Reluctance to eat or reduced appetite

• Starting to eat and backing away due to pain

• Preference for soft foods over kibble

• Drooling

• Pawing at the mouth

Getting older takes its toll on all of us, including our canine companions, but modern medicine and nutrition mean that we have longer than ever before with our beloved dogs. There is so much you can do to make your senior dog’s latter years truly golden years. One of the best things you can do for your ageing dog is to take them for regular wellness checks every six months – or as recommended by your vet – to screen for these common health problems. Keeping an eye on them at home and reporting any unusual behaviours to your vet can also help catch these illnesses early, improving your dog's chance of a long and healthy life. They may not be a puppy anymore, but they will always be your loyal best friend, and those golden years, with the bond you’ve formed over a lifetime, can be some of the most special times.

What are the most common health issues in senior dogs? 

Obesity, arthritis, dental disease, canine cognitive dysfunction, cancer and endocrine diseases.

Do senior dogs need to see a vet more often? 

Yes. Every adult dog should have a full clinical exam every year, but senior dogs may benefit from more frequent checks. Your vet may want to take blood and urine samples to catch problems as early as possible.

What are common signs of senior dog health issues? 

Many diseases share signs and symptoms. The most common ones are: 

1. Appetite changes (eating more or less)

2. Increased thirst

3. Poor coat condition

4. Lethargy

5. Increased urination

6. Weight gain or loss

When is a dog a senior dog? 

This depends on the size or type of dog. In general, dogs are considered senior at 6-7 years of age, but large and giant breeds age faster than small breeds.

Reviewed by Becky Mullis, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) and Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS.