Veterinary medicine and canine aging: general aspects of the identification and treatment of major diseases in geriatric dogs

Life expectancy in dogs has increased due to advances in veterinary medicine, making the systematic monitoring of senior animals essential. This article presents a narrative literature review conducted between July and November 2025 using the PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases, including publications from 2020 to 2025 that address physiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of geriatric dogs, with emphasis on studies from South America, North America, and Europe. The review describes criteria for age classification, physiological changes associated with aging, and the main conditions affecting this population, such as osteoarticular, renal, endocrine, cognitive, and neoplastic diseases. The literature highlights the importance of early identification of these alterations and the role of owners in adherence to care. The objective of this article is to synthesize current knowledge on the most prevalent diseases in elderly dogs and to present evidence-based measures that support adequate monitoring and management.