“Behavioural changes are often the first indicator of an underlying chronic disease.”
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Although Baloo’s favourite game is to see if he can knock me over while rumbling during his home consultation visits, at 8 years of age, Baloo is now becoming a ‘senior’ pet.
And this means he’s beginning to show signs of chronic diseases that are quite common in our pets as they approach their geriatric years.
What type of chronic disease occurs in senior pets?
Common chronic diseases you might notice in your senior pet include :
- Partial loss of vision or blindness
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Allergies
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
- Periodontal disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
The bad news is that chronic diseases often can’t be cured, many are hard to avoid as your pet ages, and they usually persist over a long period of time.
The good news is that many chronic diseases can be treated by your veterinarian, especially if we detect them early enough. We can also provide you with practical ways to make a chronic illness in your pet more manageable, so your pet’s quality of life is improved, and their life expectancy is extended.
Why has my senior pet suddenly become grumpy?
Behavioural changes are often the first indicator of a chronic disease. Becoming grumpy around other dogs is usually caused by pain or discomfort, fear or anxiety, loss of senses (such as sight or hearing) or canine cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia).
In Baloo’s case he’d always gone on lots of walks with both his parents and dog walker but lately he’d become a little grumpy with some dogs and he now needed to to be supervised a little more.
Although patience does tends to wear thin faster in older dogs, in Baloo’s case it was probably triggered by his developing arthritis, a very common ailment I see in senior dogs
Baloo had developed some sore joints in his hindquarters, which especially in winter can become quite sore. Luckily he is responding really well to the arthritis medications I’ve prescribed, so he is still able to run around like a puppy sometimes!
Other signs of arthritis may include reluctance to jump on and off furniture or to climb stairs, excessive grooming around the tail area or licking of joints, being more noticeably stiffer in the morning and taking longer to get settled.
If your dog’s behaviour towards other dogs begins to change or your dog’s becoming grumpy, it’s important that you get your dog checked out by a vet to get to the root of the problem. And if you’re worried about taking your pet to a vet surgery where other dogs are likely to be present, a mobile vet can come to you.
Increase the quality and quantity of your pet’s life
Unfortunately as your pet ages they also become more susceptible to chronic diseases, which is why we recommend more frequent check-ups for senior pets. There are many chronic diseases we can’t cure, but early identification of a chronic illness via regular veterinary checkups enable us to help manage these diseases… increasing both the quality and quantity of your pet’s life.
“Early identification allows chronic conditions to be managed, improving both quality and length of life.”
So how’s Baloo doing now?
He recently developed an acute pain in his neck which turned out to be disc prolapse, but fortunately we were able to quickly identify and treat the problem, thereby avoiding potentially devastating damage to the spinal cord and even paralysis!
Baloo has now made a total recovery after a long period of strict rest, and his arthritis treatment is also helping relieve his sore joints. So I’m very happy to report he’s back to running around outside again, being cranky with dogs that he thinks are annoying him, and giving me a good rumble everytime I visit.
And just between you and me…I wouldn’t have it other way!
Key Takeaways
- Chronic disease is common as pets age
Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease become more likely in senior pets. - Behavioural changes are often early warning signs
Irritability, withdrawal or reduced mobility may indicate underlying pain or illness. - Early detection improves outcomes
Regular health checks help identify and manage conditions before they progress. - Ongoing care can improve quality of life
While many chronic diseases cannot be cured, appropriate treatment and monitoring can help pets stay comfortable and active.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What chronic diseases are common in senior pets?
Senior pets commonly develop conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and dental disease. Sensory decline, including vision and hearing loss, can also occur. These conditions often develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious.
Why has my older dog suddenly become grumpy?
Behavioural changes in older dogs are often linked to pain, discomfort or reduced senses. Arthritis, anxiety or cognitive decline can all affect how your dog responds to people and other animals. A change in temperament should always be assessed to identify any underlying cause.
How can I tell if my senior pet is in pain?
Signs of pain may include stiffness, reluctance to move, changes in appetite or increased grooming of certain areas. Some pets may also become withdrawn or irritable. These changes can be subtle, so regular monitoring is important.
How often should senior pets have health checks?
Senior pets generally benefit from more frequent check-ups, often twice a year. As pets age, health changes can occur more quickly, making regular monitoring important. These visits help identify issues early and adjust care as needed.
Can chronic diseases in pets be treated?
Many chronic diseases cannot be cured, but they can often be managed effectively. Treatment may include medication, lifestyle adjustments and ongoing monitoring. The goal is to maintain comfort and support day-to-day function.
Why are regular vet visits important for ageing pets?
Regular veterinary visits allow early detection of developing conditions and help track changes over time. Even small behavioural or physical changes can indicate a larger issue. Consistent monitoring supports better long-term management of your pet’s health.