CARING FOR YOUR SENIOR DOG

 Our dogs are now living longer, happier and healthier lives than ever before because of advances in veterinary medicine and improved nutrition. Being aware of naturally occurring changes in your dog’s health as they approach their “golden years” can ensure that both you and your dog enjoy a good quality of life.

    Dogs are not unlike humans, in that they experience gradual changes in appearance and activity as they move into the geriatric period of their lives. You may notice that their hair turns grey; they are not as active or as limber as they once were and that they don’t hear see or smell as well as they used to.

    Interestingly enough, larger breed dogs like Great Danes and Mastiffs may show some of these signs before they are 8 years old, while smaller breeds hold off until they are older, maybe even as late as 12 years old. It is also true that a neutered or spayed pet will most likely age later than one who has not been “fixed”.

     As your dog ages, it is recommended that your pet visit his/her veterinarian every 6 months. [FYI… Did you know that adult dogs can age as much as 3 years [in human terms] within a 12 month period?] This is why it is important for you, as their owner, to be aware of changes in your pet’s condition or behavior. Arthritis or a heart condition can manifest itself in a dog that becomes less active.

    As you feed your dog you may notice that although he/she eats less, they may be putting on weight. This could be due to a decrease in your pet’s activity or a slow-down in metabolism. Excess weight can cause other issues including joint, respiratory and heart problems. Try feeding your pet smaller portions or check with your veterinarian about some diets which are lower in calories. Some dogs have the opposite problem and they may lose weight as they age. This could be the result of an underlying condition such as periodontal disease or a heart issue.

    To be sure, with today’s advances in veterinary medicine, and working with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your dog’s senior years will be happy and healthy ones.

CARING FOR YOUR SENIOR CAT

    Just as with dogs, our cats are now living longer and healthier lives as a result of improved nutrition and advances in veterinary medicine. Being aware of the naturally- occurring changes in your cat as he/she ages can ensure that you both enjoy his/her golden years together. 

 As your cat grows older, regular checkups with your veterinarian become more important. A thorough examination is recommended every six months. [FYI… Did you know that adult cats can age as much as 4 years within a period of one calendar year?] Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any changes you may have noticed in your cat’s behavior or physical condition. Sometimes things that may seem insignificant to an owner could be telltale signs of an underlying condition. Maybe your cat’s lack of interest in playing could be due to joint pain and stiffness resulting from arthritis. This is a condition which can be managed with treatment. Working with your veterinarian can ensure that your cat’s senior years will be healthy and happy ones.

     As cats move into their “senior years” you may notice gradual physical changes much like a human. Their hair may turn grey, reflexes can be a little slower, they are not as limber as they used to be, their hearing, eyesight and sense of smell may not be as good as it once was. Most likely you will also notice that your cat does not have as much energy as he/she once did.

   Sometime between the ages of 7 years and 11 years [generally] you may notice that your cat sleeps longer and more soundly than he used to. You may also see that he is not as active as he used to be. If your cat is a neutered/spayed indoors cat, he will probably show signs of aging later than an outdoors cat who has had to live with environmental issues most of his/her life.

     As cats become older, their nutritional needs may change. They may gain weight, while eating less food. Their metabolism can slow down just like ours. Excess weight can aggravate heart, respiratory, skin and joint problems. Your veterinarian may suggest feeding your cat smaller portions of food or switching to a feline diet which is lower in calories.

     Some older cats may actually lose weight. This could be the result of heart disease, dental problems, thyroid issues, kidney failure or other underlying medical conditions. It is always best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine what the problem is. 

     To be sure, with today’s advances in veterinary medicine, and working with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your cat’s senior years will be happy and healthy ones.