Do I need to care for my pet differently as he gets older?
We
don't like to admit it about ourselves, but as we age, our bodies start
to "wear out." Pets are the same way- their physical condition and
health change over time, too. You can help your valued friend and
companion live longer by working with your veterinary health-care team
to maintain your pet's health and quality of life.
In addition
to more frequent wellness examinations, your pet needs special care as
he gets older. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a
complete examination schedule and senior health-maintenance program to
provide optimal care for your pet.
How does a senior health examination differ from my pet's usual exam?
As
your pet ages, more frequent and more extensive examinations will help
your veterinarian detect changes in your pet's physical condition.
Senior health-care programs frequently include blood pressure
monitoring and laboratory tests on your pet's blood and urine.
Your
veterinarian may also recommend radiographs (X-rays), an ultrasound,or
other diagnostic tests. It is important to establish a set of "baseline
values" for your pet with these diagnostic tests to make it easy for
your veterinarian to monitor changes in your pet's health over time.
Even
if your pet seems perfectly healthy, frequent examinations are
necessary for early detection of the changes and illnesses associated
with aging. These changes may occur slowly, and you may not notice the
subtle signs that your veterinarian can detect during an exam.
Talk
to your veterinarian right away if you notice signs of illness such as
vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing. Also look for any unusual
changes in activity level and attitude, appetite, water intake,
urination, bowel movements, or body weight. Don't just dismiss changes
in your pet's health or habits as "part of the aging process" - they
may be signs of serious disease.
At what age is my pet considered "old"?
The
aging process varies with species, breed, size, and life-style. The
chart below gives you general guidelines to determine when your pet has
reached the "senior years."
Cats - Most Breeds - 10 years and older
Small Dogs - Less than 20 lbs. - 10 years and older
Medium Dogs - 21 -50 lbs. - 8 years and older
Large Dogs - 51-90 lbs. - 7 years and older
Giant Dogs - More than 90 lbs. - 5 years and older
How can I help my pet maintain the appropriate weight?
As
dogs reach middle age and their early senior years, they are apt to
gain weight as their metabolism slows down and their activity
decreases. Balance the amount you feed and the type of diet with the
activity level of your pet. Dogs may need fewer calories as they get
older, and they also may need a diet lower in fat and higher in fiber.
Cats
don't have the same weight gain and loss patterns as dogs. Their energy
requirements stay about the same throughout their adult lives. If your
cat loses weight, discuss it with your veterinarian.
Part of
creating a senior health-care program unique to your pet is evaluating
his nutritional needs. There are diets designed specifically for senior
pets- ask your veterinarian about an appropriate diet for your pet.
How often should I exercise my pet?
Regular,
controlled exercise is important to maintain bone strength, muscle
tone, and stamina. Taking daily walks and playing with your pet are
excellent ways to get some exercise and spend time together. If your
pet has difficulty standing up or walking, you may need to slow down,
take shorter walks, or try alternative activities, such as swimming.
Your
veterinarian can recommend appropriate forms of exercise for your pet
based on his lifestyle, weight, and overall health. An arthritic pet
may require medication to relieve pain, which will aloow him to
exercise.
How important is dental care for my senior pet?
Dental
care is more important than ever! Tooth loss and gum disease become
more common as pets age, so it's important not to neglect routine
dental care. Seventy percent of older cats and 80 percent of older dogs
have gum disease, which causes bad breath and health problems.
Your
veterinarian will perform dental exam and let you know when to schedule
cleaning and dental treatment for your pet. The veterinary health care
team will teach you about home dental care so that you can help
maintain your pet's oral health.
What other changes might I see in my pet as he ages?
As
your pet ages, his body starts to "wear out." He may develop certain
disease such as heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer, which are
more common in older pets than in younger ones. In addition, older dogs
may develop hypothyroidism, while older cats may develop
hyperthyroidism. Other changes may include:
* Cataracts in dogs
* Hearing and vision loss
* Weight gain or loss
* Dental disease
* Loss of hair, dull coat, or graying of hair around the muzzle
* Brittle nails
* Arthritis, especially in large dogs and in dogs and cats that have had joint injuries
* Constipation in cats
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Sensitivity to temperature changes
* Tumors
* Coughing and exercise intolerance, caused by decreased heart function or decreased lung capacity.
* Increased water consumption and urination
* Breat cancer in females
* Prostate disease in male dogs
*
Behavioral changes, such as increased aggression, development of noise
phobias, changes in urination and defecation patterns, increased
vocalization, and changes in sleep patterns
* Confusion and disorientation in dogs (know as "canine cognitive dysfunction")
***The
goal of complete senior health-maintenance program is to preserve the
health and quality of life of your older pet. Talk to your veterinarian
about age-related health problems and the preventive steps you can take
to ensure a long and health life for your old friend.
AAHA's - Pet Health Brochure Series
American Animal Hospital Assocation |
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Featured Article
GERIATRIC CARE FOR CATS
VetSuite Veterinarians
General Practice Preventative Medicine
Pets today are living longer and better quality lives than ever before, thanks to improved nutrition, veterinary care and educated owners. This increased longevity means that more cats are reaching an older age, and that owners will be faced with the special demands and problems that become apparent with age.
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