Can you guess three of the most common “hidden” quality of life problems that we see in elderly dogs? Read on to get confident in spotting these canine comfort complications!
1. Dental disease
Untreated dental disease leads to inflammation, infection and pain, which has a major impact on the affected pet’s comfort and general health.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Smelly breath and saliva
- Red gums, particularly along the gumline just above the teeth
- Brown discolouration of teeth
- Recession of gums so that teeth start to appear longer (due to root exposure)
Remember that with proper pre-emptive health checks and preparation, it’s rare for a dog to be “too old” to safely undergo dental treatment!
2. Arthritis
Unfortunately, many well-meaning owners mistakenly ascribe their mature pet’s reduced activity to “natural ageing”, whereas in many cases, painful arthritis is a major contributing factor.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Difficulty getting up from the floor
- Hesitation before jumping on or off furniture
- Walking stiffly after a rest
- Reduced muscling around your pet’s rump and upper hindlimbs
- Slowing down on walks
The good news is that there are lots of safe and effective options for arthritis relief, even for dogs with sensitive stomachs or other health issues.
3. Overgrown nails
It’s common for the nails of older dogs to overgrow due to reduced wear. This is uncomfortable and puts your pet at risk of slipping and hurting themselves. Unfortunately, the quick (the sensitive inner portion of the nail) will also overgrow too, making comfortable trimming a bit trickier.
If your pet’s nails extend beyond the level of their footpads, or if you hear their nails clicking as they walk, it’s a good idea to get them checked by our friendly team.
By managing these common issues, we can help ensure that older pets continue to live their best lives!