A new study conducted at the University of Liverpool has discovered many dog parents dismiss changes in their aging pets as symptoms of old age. Unfortunately, these changes can also be symptoms of serious health problems.

The study included 600 dog guardians and 300 veterinarians. Pet parents were given a list of 48 indicators of possible illness, and asked to rate them by urgency to see a veterinarian if they saw those clinical signs in their dog.

Most said they take their senior dog to the vet once per year or when they think they’re ill.

“The majority of veterinary professionals (85-100%) thought that it was moderately to extremely important for owners of senior dogs to seek veterinary advice for all 15 of the most common clinical signs,” reports Phys.org. “The three most common clinical signs reported by owners in their older dogs were slowing down on walks (57%), dental tartar (53%), and being stiff on rising (50%).”

Would you take your aging dog to the vet if they:

  • Are vomiting
  • Have diarrhea
  • Are constipated
  • Are coughing or wheezing
  • Scratch or lick excessively
  • Pant excessively
  • Have a swollen stomach
  • Show any other symptoms or behaviors that are not typical for your dog?

Or would you write it off as old age?

This research suggests seemingly harmless symptoms in younger dogs could indicate trouble in senior dogs.

Is Your Dog Sick or Just Getting Old?

Commonly confused symptoms in aging canines include:

Difficulty with movement – which may arrive with age or start when the animal is younger – such as Osteoarthritis, obesity, hormone-related diseases, and other disorders.

Dental disease can appear at any age, but it can worsen as a dog ages. Dental tumors and injuries also occur more frequently in senior dogs.

Behavioral changes can be tough to spot at first, but they may be indicative of a serious problem ahead. Cognitive dysfunction, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders can all change behavior. It can be a symptom of a symptom as well, such as pain or sensory decline.

A change in toilet habits can be a sign of disease and you should inform your veterinarian.

An increase in thirst can indicate several conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Hyperadrenocorticism, or Pyometra. It can also be caused by medication your elderly dog is taking.

Lumps develop more frequently in older dogs. They’re often harmless but it’s best to see a veterinarian ASAP.

Weight gain or loss can occur in aging dogs, just like it can in aging humans. It’s often due to a lower calorie requirement as the metabolism slows and they become less active. Weight loss can be a symptom of serious illness, dental issues, or other conditions that impact their appetite. The below body condition guide will help you assess your dog’s weight and general condition.

Dog body condition score chart

Source: BSAVA Aging Canine Toolkit

Natural Support for Aging Dogs

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To extend a dog’s lifespan using natural foods and supplements, you need to seek out properties that benefit organ, bone, and cellular function, reduce inflammation, protect them from toxins, and prevent diseases that can cut their life short.

A few powerful supplements known for anti-aging and senior-support properties include:

• Antioxidants can be either fat-soluble or water-soluble, and include Vitamins A, C (Ascorbic Acid), and E, CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10/Ubiquinone), Astaxanthin, Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), Polyphenols and Glutathione. You can buy natural supplements that provide a combination of antioxidants. Spark for dogs is an exceptional daily supplement that is often recommended by holistic veterinarians and DVM’s alike.

• Phytochemicals include Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Genestein, Sulforaphane, Indoles, Saponins, P-coumaric Acid and Chlorogenic Acid. Studies have shown promising results in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

“Researchers have found that phytochemicals have the potential to stimulate the immune system, prevent toxic substances in the diet from becoming carcinogenic, reduce inflammation, prevent DNA damage and aid DNA repair, reduce oxidative damage to cells, slow the growth rate of cancer cells, trigger damaged cells to self-destruct (apoptosis) before they can reproduce, help regulate intracellular signaling of hormones and gene expression, and activate insulin receptors,” writes Densie Webb, PhD, RD, for Today’s Dietitian.

TIP: Seaweed and algae supplements are excellent sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals, as well as more vitamins and minerals than any other vegetation.

• Green Acerola Fruit

• Bilberry

• Brewed & cooled Green Tea (Green Tea supplements are usually too potent)

• Turmeric (Curcumin)

• Krill oil

• Calcium Montmorillonite Clay can help protect your senior dog from heavy metals, radiation, and mycotoxins. Additionally, it can be used as a toothpaste to prevent dental disease. It may also prevent arthritis, according to NASA.

TIP: Combine a few of the above anti-aging supplements for dogs into homemade treats to ensure your pup gobbles them up!

For more information about the above supplements, read The Best Natural Foods and Supplements to Help Your Dog Live Longer.

BSAVA Petsavers has an excellent Aging Canine Toolkit you can download free, including an Aging Canine Checklist.

Have you ever written off changes in your dog as symptoms of old age, but found out they were actually sick? Please share your experience and questions in the comments below.

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