Caring for your Senior Pet

As your pet ages, many of his basic needs, from diet to exercise, will begin to change.  Pets are very good at hiding their health problems, and as an owner, it is our responsibility to keep an eye on them to ensure that you are adjusting his routine to match changes in his body and immune system that make him less able to cope with physical and environmental stresses. Routine exams, preventative medicine and adjustments to your pet's lifestyle can help him stay healthy even as the years creep up.

Different sized dog's age at varying rates, with larger dogs reaching senior status much sooner than smaller dogs.  While each dog reaches 'seniorhood' at a different age, most canines become seniors after seven years including cats.  It is important to know your pet's age so you know when he becomes a senior and can ask your vet about when you're pet's needs may begin to change.

Many different diseases must be accounted for as your pet ages.  Such diseases include arthritis, cancer, cognitive disorders, vision and auditory problems, liver, kidney and dental disease, diabetes, and heart disease.  Just as with people, regular health checkups become increasingly important as pets grow older and should be seen at least once every six months.  The purpose of these wellness exams is to promote your pet's health and longevity, recognize and control health risks and detect any illnesses in early stages, which may improve treatment options.  A typical exam will include health-related questions in order to build a snapshot of your pet's medical history.  During the check-up, the vet will check for body tumors, signs of pain, body appearance and condition along with examining the eyes, ear, nose, and mouth for irregularities as well as listening to the heart and lungs.  Many times a number of diagnostic tests will be ran including CBC (complete blood count), chemistry screen to check the liver and kidney, urinalysis, thyroid function, and heartworm and fecal test.  Baseline laboratory tests should be ran early before your pet becomes a senior as this allows your vet to monitor any developing trends in your pet's health status as it changes from year to year.

As an owner, you should consistently monitor your pet's health between vet visits.  Signs to look for include incontinence, lumps, constipation or diarrhea, breathing abnormalities, coughing, weakness, changes in appetite, water intake or urination, stiffness or limping, increased vocalization and uncharacteristic aggression or behavioral changes.  Fluctuations in weight can be an early sign of an underlying disease and should be checked frequently.  By keeping a close eye on your pet, this will allow a better insight for your veterinarian to be able to recognize abnormalities.

Adjusting your pet's nutrition is very important as these senior foods are designed to have less fat and salt, therefore decreasing the stress on the different body systems.  Frequent bathroom breaks are also warranted for a smooth transition into those elderly years to come.  These may seem like simple adjustments but they are very important for a happier healthier companion.

Along with being more watchful over your senior pet's health, it's crucial that you keep up with routine preventative care such as parasite prevention, dental care, vaccinations and nutritional management.  As your pet's immune system weakens with age, the importance of routine basic care only increases.  Always create a comfortable environment for your ageing pet with easy access to food and water and supportive bedding along with old fashioned TLC which is beneficial to both you and your pet.

Undoubtedly, your veterinarian is key to helping in your pet's transition through these senior years, but as an owner, you are also key to your pet's life. Together, your pet is on track for a long and healthy life.

Call today and scheduled your pet's appointment and make sure they are on the healthy track to living a long and happy life.

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