5 Warning Signs Your Senior Dog’s Health Is About To Spiral Out Of Control

As much as we’d like to convince ourselves that our canine companions will stay puppies forever, the truth is they are aging right alongside us.

It can really sneak up on you when they reach senior status, but it’s important to realize that older dogs have different health needs than young pups. As they age, our dogs become increasingly susceptible to illness and disease, and they count on us to recognize the warning signs.

Depending on the size and breed of your dog, they will reach senior status somewhere around seven years old. In general, the smaller the breed, the longer their life expectancy. So it can take a few extra years for them to officially become a senior.

Once you start seeing gray hairs spring up on their face or in their coat, it’s time to pay even closer attention to their wellbeing. Here, we have listed five warning signs that your senior dog’s health may be about to spiral out of control.

5. Weight Gain/Obesity

It may seem like no big deal for your sweet senior to gain some weight, but it only takes a few extra pounds to wreak havoc on your dog’s health. As our dogs age, their metabolism naturally slows down. This means table scraps, endless treats, and minimal movement can all contribute to unwanted weight gain. 

Being overweight increases the likelihood that they will develop diseases such as diabetes, along with decreasing your dog’s life expectancy. Plus, extra weight puts undue pressure on your dog’s joints, making arthritis even more uncomfortable.

4. Loss Of Desire To Play/Disinterest In Going Outside 

It is incredibly beneficial for your dog’s mental and physical health for them to spend a significant amount of time outside. So when they decide to cut back on their outdoor adventures, it can be an indicator that something is making them physically or emotionally uncomfortable. 

Wanting to play less often can signal joint discomfort, or it can indicate that they’re experiencing anxiety. If your dog is anxious, it can affect many aspects of their life, including how well and often they sleep, their appetite, and their desire to do the things they once loved. 

3. Film Over Their Eyes 

If you notice a thick film forming over your aging dog’s eyes, they may already be experiencing some vision loss. This can contribute to anxiety or be a reason that your dog is acting in a way that’s outside of their norm. Your dog may begin to bump into things, adopt an inverted sleep schedule, or avoid activities that you once loved to do together. 

Changes to their environment or routine can exacerbate anxiety, so if you do start to notice that your senior doesn’t see as well, you may want to reconsider rearranging your furniture or making any sudden schedule changes.

2. Paw Licking/Excessive Scratching 

Excessive licking and scratching may be caused by allergies, anxiety, or inflammation. Dogs lick to try to soothe something, whether that is literally licking a part of their body that hurts, licking to soothe an allergic reaction, or attempting to ease anxiousness. 

Either way, licking and scratching indicate that something deeper is happening within. When left uncontrolled, allergies or anxiety can spiral into a situation that’s not only out of hand but extremely uncomfortable for your snowy-faced senior. 

1. Difficulty Standing Up/Skipping The Stairs

If you notice that your dog is skipping the stairs, slowing down on walks, sleeping more often, or has a stiffer gait, they may be experiencing hip and joint pain. Arthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips, elbows, and back. It can make even minor movements extremely uncomfortable. Gentle, daily exercise is needed to maintain a healthy weight, but joint pain and stiffness can make moving around agonizing. 

That’s why it’s essential to do what you can to get your canine moving again. Luckily, there are trustworthy treatments like Cannanine’s extensive line of CBD products that can help ease many of the most common senior dog ailments, including anxiety, arthritis, and allergies.

Cannanine Organic Hemp Oil with CBD is manufactured in the USA from organically-grown Colorado hemp. It has been tested and found to be free of heavy metals, harmful bacteria, yeast, mold, and other toxins. Plus, there’s a 100% money-back guarantee. 

A regular dose of high-quality CBD can help keep your pup playful or help your anxious dog settle down and sleep. 

Click here to learn more about how Cannanine CBD can help your dog thrive, or start shopping now!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.