Common Health Problems in Senior Dogs — Full Guide

Growing old is not a disease. It is important to start there, because one of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is assuming that every change in their aging dog is just "getting old" and therefore not worth addressing. The opposite is also true: not every change signals something dire. The goal of this guide is to help you understand the most common health conditions that senior dogs face so you know what to watch for, what questions to ask your veterinarian, and how to provide the best supportive care at home.

Your senior dog has given you years of loyalty and companionship. Understanding the health landscape of aging dogs empowers you to return that devotion with informed, compassionate care during their golden years.

Arthritis and Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis is one of the most widespread conditions in aging dogs. It involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage within the joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort. While it can affect any joint, it is most commonly seen in the hips, knees, elbows, and spine.

The signs of arthritis often develop so gradually that owners may not notice until the condition has progressed significantly. Your dog may be slower to rise after resting, reluctant to jump onto furniture or into the car, or stiff during the first few minutes of a walk. Some dogs lick or chew at sore joints. Others simply become less active, which is often mistaken for normal aging rather than a sign of discomfort.

Management typically involves a multi-pronged approach. Your veterinarian may recommend weight management, controlled exercise, joint supplements, pain management strategies, and environmental modifications at home. Physical rehabilitation, including hydrotherapy, has also become increasingly available and beneficial for arthritic dogs.

For a deeper look at managing mobility challenges, see our guide to helping senior dogs on hardwood floors and other articles in our Mobility section.

Dental Disease

Dental disease is arguably the most underdiagnosed condition in dogs of all ages, but it becomes increasingly significant as dogs get older. By the time many dogs reach their senior years, they may have some degree of periodontal disease, broken teeth, or oral infections that go unnoticed because dogs are remarkably good at eating despite oral pain.

Watch for bad breath that goes beyond the usual "dog breath," red or bleeding gums, visible tartar buildup, drooling, dropping food while eating, or a preference for soft food over hard kibble. Some dogs paw at their mouths or become head-shy when they have dental pain.

Dental disease is not just a mouth problem. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. This is why many veterinarians emphasize dental health as a whole-body concern. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia, while they may seem daunting for a senior dog, are generally safe and can dramatically improve your dog's comfort and overall health. Your veterinarian can assess anesthesia risk based on your individual dog's health status.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is one of the more common conditions veterinarians diagnose in older dogs. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood, regulating hydration, and maintaining electrolyte balance. As dogs age, kidney function can gradually decline.

Early signs are often subtle and easy to overlook. Increased water consumption and more frequent urination are typically the first things owners notice. As the condition progresses, you might see decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, lethargy, and changes in the color or amount of urine.

Early detection through routine blood work is one of the most important things you can do for your senior dog. When caught early, kidney disease can often be managed with dietary changes, hydration support, and veterinary monitoring, allowing dogs to maintain a good quality of life for months or even years. We cover this topic in detail in our dedicated guide to kidney disease in senior dogs.

Heart Disease

Heart disease in senior dogs takes several forms, but the two most common are degenerative mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. Small breeds are more prone to valve disease, while large and giant breeds are more susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy.

Early heart disease may produce no noticeable symptoms at all, which is why veterinary exams that include careful listening with a stethoscope are so important. A heart murmur detected during a routine visit is often the first clue. As heart disease progresses, you may notice a persistent cough (especially at night or after exercise), exercise intolerance, rapid breathing at rest, a swollen abdomen, or fainting episodes.

Modern veterinary cardiology offers numerous management options, from medications that support heart function to dietary modifications that reduce the workload on the heart. Many dogs with heart disease live comfortably for years with appropriate care. Learn more in our guide to heart disease in older dogs.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading health concerns in senior dogs, and it is understandably one of the most frightening for owners to contemplate. However, it is important to know that not all cancers behave the same way. Some are highly treatable, some are slow-growing and may never cause significant problems, and others are more aggressive.

Common types of cancer seen in older dogs include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and various skin tumors. Signs vary widely depending on the type and location but may include new lumps or bumps that grow quickly, unexplained weight loss, persistent lameness, changes in appetite, difficulty breathing, or bleeding from any body opening.

Regular physical examinations, including running your hands over your dog's body to check for new lumps, are one of the best ways to catch cancer early. Not every lump is cancer, but every new lump deserves evaluation by your veterinarian. We discuss this topic further in our guide to cancer in senior dogs.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Sometimes called canine dementia, cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects a significant number of senior dogs. It involves changes in the brain that are similar in some ways to Alzheimer's disease in humans. Dogs with cognitive dysfunction may seem disoriented in familiar environments, have changes in sleep-wake cycles (often restless at night), lose house-training habits, interact less with family members, or stare blankly at walls.

While there is no cure, environmental enrichment, consistent routines, dietary supplements that support brain health, and certain medications may help slow progression and improve quality of life. If you notice behavioral changes in your senior dog, it is worth discussing with your veterinarian rather than simply attributing them to old age.

Endocrine Disorders

Hormonal conditions become more common as dogs age. Hypothyroidism involves an underactive thyroid gland and can cause weight gain, lethargy, skin and coat changes, and cold intolerance. Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, involves excess cortisol production and presents with increased thirst and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and skin changes. Diabetes mellitus, while less common, is also seen in senior dogs and presents with increased thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss.

Each of these conditions is manageable with proper veterinary care and monitoring. Routine blood work is key to early detection. For detailed information, visit our guides on thyroid problems, Cushing's disease, and diabetes in senior dogs.

Liver Disease

The liver is a remarkably resilient organ, but aging can take its toll. Senior dogs may develop various liver conditions, from chronic hepatitis to liver nodules. Because the liver has significant reserve capacity, signs often do not appear until the disease is fairly advanced. Changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, yellowing of the gums or whites of the eyes, and behavioral changes can all be indicators.

As with many senior dog health issues, routine blood work is the best way to catch liver problems early. Liver enzymes that are part of a standard chemistry panel can alert your veterinarian to changes before clinical signs appear. Dietary management plays an important role in supporting dogs with liver concerns. See our full guide on liver disease in senior dogs.

The Importance of Routine Veterinary Care

If there is one thread that connects every condition discussed in this guide, it is the value of regular veterinary checkups and routine blood work. Many of the most serious conditions in senior dogs begin silently, producing no outward symptoms until they have progressed significantly. Twice-yearly wellness visits, including blood panels and urinalysis, give your veterinarian the best chance of catching changes early.

Between veterinary visits, you are your dog's most important health monitor. Keep a simple log of your dog's daily habits: how much they eat and drink, their energy level, bathroom habits, and any behavioral changes. This information is incredibly valuable to your veterinarian and can help distinguish between normal aging and something that needs attention.

Supporting Your Senior Dog at Home

Regardless of your dog's specific health challenges, there are universal steps that support the well-being of any aging dog. Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight exacerbates nearly every condition on this list. Provide appropriate, gentle exercise tailored to their abilities. Ensure their environment is comfortable and easy to navigate. Keep their mind engaged with enrichment activities suited to their energy level.

Most importantly, maintain your relationship. Senior dogs still need your attention, your touch, and your voice. The bond you share is itself a form of therapy, and there is genuine value in simply being present with your aging companion.

Aging brings changes, but it does not have to diminish the quality of your dog's life. With awareness, proactive veterinary care, and thoughtful adjustments at home, you and your senior dog can navigate the golden years together with confidence and comfort.