Aged dogs often gain weight because they are less busy and don't burn as many calories as they used to. And the fact that metabolism slows down with age may also play a part.
By looking at your dog's body, you can tell if it is overweight. From above, their waist should be behind their ribs. From the side, their stomach should be tucked in and you should only be able to see their ribs.
Arthritis
Elderly dogs are slower, but arthritis may cause stiffness or limping. Osteoarthritis causes bone joint cartilage degradation. This reduces movement and creates pain and irritation. Look for these signs:
Cognitive Decline
As they mature, dogs can develop cognitive changes like people. You may notice forgetfulness or anxiety. This may be a normal aspect of aging or an indication of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), the dog form of Alzheimer's.
Hearing and Vision Loss
Just like with people, older dogs can lose their sight and hearing. And if it happens slowly enough, you might not notice until the loss is big. Being able to use their other abilities helps dogs adapt well. Here are some signs to look out for:
Cancer
Dog cancer risk rises with age. Many types of cancer can originate anywhere in the body and involve uncontrolled cell growth. Disease kind and location determine symptoms.