Signs of Health Problems in Older Dogs
Unlike humans, dogs age according to size with smaller dogs living longer than larger dogs. With this in mind, vetrinarians recommend that you begin brining your aging dog in for geriatric screening at the appropriate time according to his size.
Here are the most common guidelines for geriatric screening:
Up to 15 lbs.
Begin screening at 9 to 11 years
16 to 50 lbs.
Begin screening at 7 to 9 years
51 to 80 lbs.
Begin screening at 6 to 8 years
Over 80 lbs.
Begin screening at 4 to 6 years
When you take your dog in for a geriatric screening, you vet will give your dog a thorough, hands-on physical exam and blood tests. If the situation dictates, possibly an electrocardiogram and specialized tests that are dependent on your dog's past health.
Some vets recommend that you bring your dog in for semi-annual visits once they reach a senior age. If you feel this is too much, make sure you at least take your dog in for a once a year check up. As your dog becomes older, your vet needs to check many more things to maintain your dog's health.
Between visits, pay attention to any changes that you notice in your dog. Be sure to make note of and report to your vet any of the following:
Sudden weight loss
An increase in appetite without gaining any weight
A loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Becoming excessively out of breath
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Excessive panting
Coughing
Difficulty moving
Behavioral changes
Excessive aggressiveness
Confusion
Difficulty hearing
Difficulty seeing
All of these symptoms can be signs of serious problems that need to be attended to right away. By being watching for and being aware of these symptoms, you can get your dog the medical attention that he needs and perhaps prolong his life.
Published by Debra Proctor
I am a professional writer and article marketer. If you like my articles, you can check out my services and products at http://www.JLYStudio.com. View profile
Herbs for Dogs: An IntroductionHerbs are natures medicine. These herbs have been around since the dawn of time, but we have failed to take full advantage of their uses.- Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning in DogsDogs will eat anything and poisoning is a common occurrence. Well-meaning owners may inadvertently poison their pets. Immediate treatment may be necessary to prevent health problems or save the dog's life.
- Rescuing Shelter Dogs: Reasons to Consider Adopting an Older DogThe author of this article has been successfully adopting older shelter dogs for a number of years. This article highlights some of the advantages of adopting an older dog.
Reverse Sneezing and Collapsing Trachea in Toy Breed DogsReverse sneezing and collapsing trachea are seen frequently in small breed dogs. While alarming, reverse sneezing is not a health problem and is a common occurrence in small bre...
Health Issues with the Cavalier King Charles SpanielThe Cavalier King Charles has several genetic diseases that are ravaging the breed. The situation is not being helped by the puppy mills who will breed any two dogs with no con...
- Acupuncture for Dogs
- Pet Health Problems: What Signs to Look For
- Dog Health Care
- Recognizing the Signs of Parasite Infections in Dogs
- Could Your Older Dog Be Senile?
- Fat Loss Tips for a Fat Dog
- Dog Health Problems: Beware of Wrong Diagnosis by Veterinarian
- Signs of serious problems in your older dog.