Dog's movement slows down — normal or illness?

📞 Inspections of senior dogs in Vantaa: 010 739 9130

“It's just getting old, it's not enough anymore.”

This is a common fallacy. Although a dog's pace naturally wanes with age, a clear reluctance to move is rarely normal. It is often a sign of illness or pain that can be treated.

If your 10-year-old dog lags behind on a jog, it's worth finding out the reason.

3 most common causes of retardation (which are not “just old age”)

1. Osteoarthritis pain

The most common reason. The dog wants to go, but the body does not obey. The pain makes movement heavy. When pain is treated with medication, many “old people” start running after the ball again.

2. Heart disease

If your dog gets tired suddenly in the middle of a run, coughs (especially at night or when under exertion), or yawns strongly, it could be heart failure. With medication, the dog can live a refreshed life for years.

3. Hypothyroidism

A common ailment, especially in medium and large dogs. Symptoms include fatigue, reluctance to move, gaining weight and deterioration of the coat. This is easily ascertained by a blood test and treated with an inexpensive drug.

When for examinations?

Bring your senior dog to Animal Hospital Sacrum for a checkup if:

• The slowdown has happened quickly (in weeks).
• The dog stops jogging or refuses to leave.
• There are other symptoms: cough, increased drinking or gaining weight.

We do comprehensive senior checks, where we listen to the heart, palpate the joints and check blood counts. Let's give an old friend a dignified and painless old age.

📍 Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa