Grumpy dogs are not just ‘getting old’, they may have a serious disease

GRUMPINESS, sleepiness and bad breath are not necessarily signs of old age in dogs and could be a sign of serious disease, scientists have warned.

People often have a tendency to blame “just old age” on a dog’s slowing pace and some physical changes.

But research from the University of Liverpool has found the changes seen in advancing years are actually caused by disease and pain, which can be treated if caught early enough.

The researchers have developed a short but comprehensive scientifically backed quiz that pet owners can use to give their ageing dogs at-home health Mots every six months to keep an eye out for signs not only of age-related decline, but also of potential disease.

Dog owners are being implored to grade their dog’s health on various aspects, including mobility, behaviour and dental condition. It is hoped that regular, concerted efforts to assess a pet’s condition will help detect signs of sickness as early as possible.

The tool, funded by BSAVA Petsavers, is available online or in a print booklet and owners are encouraged to use it and share the results with their vet. “‘It’s just old age’ is literally the phrase owners use but sometimes it is actually something else,” Dr Carri Westgarth, a scientist from the University of Liverpool who helped create the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT), said.

“Mobility changes in the dog are something to look at for owners, as is slowing down, bad breath, sleeping a lot, and getting a bit grumpier.

“Grumpiness is often a sign of pain, as well as confusion and disorientation.”

Dr Lisa Wallis, a dog expert also at the University of Liverpool, told The Daily Telegraph at the BSAVA 2023 Congress in Manchester that if a dog has been absolutely fine around people for a number of years but suddenly snaps, the animal is likely to be in distress.

It has been estimated that up to 80 per cent of behavioural consultations are pain-related, she added, and that medication to treat the pain can lead to completely different behaviour.

“Pet owners are happy to make sacrifices for their ageing dog because their pet has given them a lifetime of love, but if failing health is not flagged to vets then nothing can be done about it.”