As a dog owner, you know that your best friend is an important part of your family. But did you know that caring for a senior dog can extend their life expectancy by up to two years?
As your fur baby ages, they may be more prone to breathing problems, which can be especially difficult for older dogs. Fortunately, with proper care and a watchful eye, you can help your elderly pup stay healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Before going further, it is important to check with your vet at the first sign of any challenges your senior dog has with their breathing. Only your vet will be able to provide you the right information to make the best health care decisions for your senior fur baby!
As an aside, for further reading on other potential senior dog health issues, check out our articles on Senior Dog Dementia and Senior Dog Arthritis. Both are packed with useful information for your senior pet!
Now, let's dive into seven breathing problems you might see with your senior pet!
1: Dog Heavy Breathing
Heavy breathing can be a sign of many issues in dogs, especially as they age. If your senior fur baby is exhibiting heavy breathing, it might be time to take them to the vet to get checked out. It could be something as simple as a change in diet, or something more serious such as an underlying health issue.
There are a few things you can do to help your senior dog breathe more easily. One easy way is to provide fresh air and exercise them regularly. Make sure they have plenty of water and a healthy snack (like a piece of fruit) available. And if you notice that they're breathing heavily, try to increase their activity level gradually so as not to overstress them.
To be sure, it's always best to get your senior fur baby checked out by your vet if there are any doubts about health.
2: Dog Lung Disease
As dogs age, they can sometimes develop lung disease that makes it difficult for them to breathe. This is typically a result of an underlying respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. If your senior dog is having difficulty breathing, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible to get checked out. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve your pup's quality of life.
Once potential lung disease has been identified in your senior pet, make sure they receive regular veterinary care for any underlying respiratory conditions. Treatment can help improve your pup's breathing and quality of life. If your senior dog develops lung disease, your vet may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or antibiotics to help manage the symptoms.
3: Nasal Congestion
As our beloved canine companions age, it is not uncommon for them to experience nasal congestion due to a variety of factors. Common causes of nasal congestion in older dogs can include allergies, sinus infections, tumors, or even dental disease. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the congestion in order to provide your pup with the best care possible.
Additionally, you can try to treat your pup's nasal congestion with over the counter medications such as decongestants or nasal sprays. If these remedies do not work, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic or a nasal spray combined with an antihistamine. In most cases, treatment will require a combination of methods in order to effectively treat your senior dog's nasal congestion.
4: Sleep Apnea
One of the most common issues for older dogs is sleep apnea, a condition in which the dog's breathing is temporarily interrupted during sleep.
Furthermore, sleep apnea is a big contributor to obesity in dogs, as it often leads to them eating more than they should and being inactive. In fact, if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat sleep apnea in dogs. Some of the most common treatments include using a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure), using a mouthpiece that helps keep the dog's teeth open during sleep, prescribing medication, or surgery.
Whatever treatment is chosen, it's important to make sure that your dog is receiving regular care from your veterinarian so that any issues with their breathing can be addressed as soon as they are identified.
If you notice your older pup struggling to take deep breaths or having difficulty sleeping, it may be time to go to the vet and get them checked out.
5: Hyperventilation Syndrome
Our senior fur babies can be more prone to developing hyperventilation syndrome. This occurs when dogs breathe at an abnormally rapid rate and is most commonly associated with old age. If you notice your furry companion panting more than usual, it could be an indication of this syndrome and should be checked out by your vet immediately.
Your vet may recommend that your dog take medications to slow down their breathing, receive respiratory therapy, or have their oxygen levels monitored.
6: Emphysema and Bronchitis
As our furry friends age, they can develop breathing problems like emphysema and bronchitis. These respiratory conditions can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. If your senior pup is having trouble breathing, it's important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize your pup's discomfort and improve their quality of life.
Treatments include medications, oxygen therapy, and restrictive airway management. Oxygen therapy can help your pup's lungs rebuild and improve their breathing. Restrictive airway management may include breathing tubes and ventilators. If your senior dog has emphysema, it's important to keep them as comfortable as possible. This includes providing plenty of fresh water and food, providing a comfortable place to sleep, and keeping the room temperature cool (between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).
7: Pneumonia and Laryngitis
Finally, your senior fur baby may experience breathing problems that may indicate pneumonia or laryngitis. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, while laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. Both can be serious health issues for aging dogs, so it's important for owners to keep an eye out for signs of these conditions and seek veterinary help if needed.
Your vet may perform a physical examination, take samples for testing, and recommend treatment with antibiotics or other medications. In some cases, your dog may need to rest in a quiet environment until the infection is cleared up. If laryngitis is severe, your vet may also prescribe an oral decongestant to help relieve congestion. Again, always follow your vet's advice!
Final Thoughts
As our beloved canine companions age, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of age-related breathing problems. If you notice that your dog is having difficulty breathing or showing any other signs of distress, contact your veterinarian right away. With proper treatment, your dog can be comfortable and enjoy a happy life despite their old age.
Many of the health issues mentioned can be prevented or treated. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious health problems. Always consult your senior pet's healthcare professional if you have any concerns about their health!