7 Silent Health Issues In your Senior Dog

Meet Pipster: A Glimpse into the Life of My Senior Dog

Hello, I’m Dr. Andrew Jones. Many of you might not have seen Pipster recently. She’s a senior dog, now 11 years old, and over the years, I’ve cared for many senior dogs. It’s not uncommon to miss some early signs of aging because, frankly, even I’ve overlooked symptoms that I should have caught earlier. As Pipster has aged, she doesn’t walk as far as she used to due to a bit of arthritis, and she sleeps more—changes that we often expect as our dogs grow older.

Seven Silent Health Symptoms in Your Senior Dog

1. Unusual Cough and Energy Levels Does your dog have a wet cough, especially at night or first thing in the morning? Tula, another senior dog who is also 11, exhibits this symptom. It might be easy to dismiss this as nothing serious, but it could indicate underlying heart disease. If your dog shows such signs, I encourage you to get them checked—perhaps they need heart medication or a diuretic, which can be either natural or conventional.

2. Changes in Appetite and Water Consumption Pipster, being a Labrador, typically has a hearty appetite. If she were not eating well, coupled with increased drinking and urination, it would be alarming, suggesting possible kidney or liver disease. It’s crucial to get these symptoms checked out promptly.

3. Decreased Energy and Pale Gums One of my first dogs, Hoochie, showed low energy levels, which was out of character. Upon examining his gums, which were pale instead of a healthy pink, I realized he was anemic. This can be a sign of serious conditions, such as hemangiosarcoma—a cancer affecting the spleen and blood cells. If your dog’s gums are pale and they’re showing signs of fatigue, see your vet immediately.

4. Oral Health Issues If your dog seems tender when chewing or their breath smells bad, don’t just assume it’s dental disease. Lewis, a 13-year-old lab cross, had mouth cancer, not just tooth problems. A thorough examination of your dog’s mouth is vital, as early detection can lead to successful treatment through surgery.

5. Sudden Appearance of Lumps While most lumps on dogs are benign, a rapidly growing, firm lump can be a sign of something more sinister like cancer. Knowing where your dog’s lymph nodes are located can help you detect changes like lymphoma early.

6. Difficulty Walking Arthritis is common in senior dogs, but not all limping or difficulty walking is due to arthritis. If your dog starts knuckling, or dragging their paws, it could be a sign of degenerative myelopathy, a serious neurological condition.

7. General Disinterest and Behavioral Changes If a normally lively dog like Pipster suddenly shows no interest in eating or decreases their water intake, it’s a significant warning sign. This could indicate a range of issues from organ dysfunction to cancer.

Trust Your Instincts

As a pet owner, you know your dog better than anyone else. If you notice something off or changes in their behavior, trust your instincts and consult your veterinarian.

Thank you for tuning into this episode where we explore the seven silent health symptoms in your senior dog that may be signs of something more serious. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications. For more insights, click the link below to receive a free copy of my book on pet health secrets.