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Senior Pet Care
Pet owners, in many ways, treat their dogs and cats better than they do themselves. There is, however, one dangerous diagnosis that too many owners make on their own: "Don't worry, it's just a sign of old age."
The onset of symptoms such as increased thirst, excessive barking and changes in sleeping patterns could, indeed, be signs of old age - and therefore precisely the time to worry.
A seven-year-old pet is equivalent to a 50-year-old human. An annual examination for your pet at that age is like a senior person getting a physical once every seven years. Consider that new technologies and procedures make it possible for pets to live longer and healthier lives than ever. Life-threatening problems of only a few years ago are treatable conditions today. On the other hand, the "Don't worry" mentality can result in minor problems quickly becoming major ones.
As your pet passes the critical seven-year milestone (five years for larger breeds), it becomes quite literally a matter of life or death that he be examined every six months.
In between vet visits, here are Ten Tips to take better care of your Senior Petizen:
- Monitor changes in health, behavior and appearance. Note difficulty with urination and irregular bowel movements, which could be indications of something more serious.
- Spay or neuter your pet. Ask your veterinarian if the procedure is advisable at his age, but doing so now could avert serious tumors.
- Begin regular but moderate exercise. Start with ten minutes and increase based on your pet's capacity. If you note difficulty with breathing or ability to exercise, alert our office.
- Switch to a senior-appropriate diet to provide higher quantities of important nutrients.
- Don't change surroundings. Familiarity can be a blessing in their old age.
- Inspect the mouth, gums and teeth regularly. Loose teeth and inflammation can be early signs of internal troubles.
- Increase groomings and examinations. Check for rashes, lumps, sores and bad odors. Use senior specific products designed to maintain and protect their healthy coat. Daily grooming and brushing not only strengthens the bonds the two of you share, but also stimulates their oil glands, and promotes a healthy, shiny coat.
- Modify the environment to prevent sickness and injury. Keep rooms warm and dry. Senior pets, like their owners, can't fight off common diseases and infections like they once could. Watch for difficulty climbing stairs and general disorientation.
- Control food portions and observe weight gain. Obesity in older cats and dogs, caused by slowing metabolism, can trigger arthritis, diabetes and other painful conditions that decrease life expectancy.
- Keep up the TLC. Mature pets need your love and affection more than ever. Such intangibles can absolutely add to your pet companion's life expectancy. It may not be scientific, but it's true.
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