How Does Weight Affect Senior Pets?

Thanks to the advances in animal care, many dogs can live well into their senior years. However, several special health considerations come into play once a dog reaches old age, and one of these is his body weight. If you have a senior canine, then there are several reasons why your veterinarian in Saratoga would want you to keep him at a healthy weight.

In older dogs, obesity can increase their risk of developing diabetes, breathing problems, arthritis, skin problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and other health conditions. On the other hand, being underweight can also be a sign of illness in senior dogs. Rapid weight loss in older canines can be a symptom of diabetes, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and more.

Regular visits to the pet hospital are always important for dogs, but even more so for seniors. If your dog is overweight, speak with your veterinarian about what changes you can make to help him drop a few pounds. Also, be sure to bring your senior dog to an animal hospital if you notice any sudden weight loss.