September is senior pet health month:
Important tips on helping to take care of the senior pet in your home
Similar to advances made in human medicine and healthcare, advances in veterinary medicine are helping our pets live longer and healthier lives than ever before. And, outside of the benefit of the occasional senior discount for movies, food and beverages (which our pets don’t enjoy), we all face the possibility of health challenges, some of which can be addressed through preventive care and awareness of overall health issues.
As pets reach their golden years, there are a variety of conditions and diseases they may face, including weight and mobility challenges; osteoarthritis; kidney, heart, and liver disease; tumors and cancers; hormone disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalance; among others.
Although some age-related pet diseases can not be prevented, early detection and intervention is key to helping your pet maintain the highest quality of life possible.
Without AARP for pets, how do you know when your pet is considered a senior?
The average dog or cat between 7-10 years of age and older typically qualifies as a senior pet. Smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats typically live longer than dogs. Giant breeds may be considered seniors as early as age 5. Beyond that, life spans vary from pet to pet, and your veterinarian will be able to help you determine what stage of life your pet is in.
To help monitor the health of our aging four-legged friends, and based on guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), our veterinarians recommend a periodic comprehensive senior profile. These guidelines provide a framework for assessing a pet’s health and providing the best care possible.
Primary elements of a comprehensive senior pet profile include:
- Physical Examination
- Complete Blood Count
- Blood Chemistry Analysis
- Urine and Stool Analysis
- Thyroid Level Evaluation
- Eye Examination
- Chest and Abdominal X-Rays
- Blood Pressure Test
- ECG
Physical examinations combined with laboratory testing will help your veterinarian gain a better understanding of your pet’s health. The exam and testing provide a baseline by which comparisons can be made and used to help identify and treat illness and certain conditions.
In their middle-age years, dogs and cats alike should have exams and laboratory tests at least annually. During their senior years, laboratory tests and exams are recommended every six months for healthy dogs and cats.
Other Effects of Age on Pets – These may sound familiar:
With age comes a general slowing down in pets as major senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) dull. Loss of senses is often a slow process and may even go unnoticed for a period of time.
And, similar again to humans, pets may also be affected mentally as they age. Aging pets may begin to demonstrate changes in their behavior and overall awareness of their surroundings. Regular health exams can help catch and treat these problems before they control your pet’s life.
Warning signs that your aging pet should be checked out by your veterinarian include:
- Sustained, significant increase in water consumption or urination
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Significant increase or decrease in appetite
- Repeated vomiting
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days
- Difficulty in passing stool or urine
- Change in housetraining
- Lameness
- Noticeable decrease in vision
- Open sores or scabs on the skin
- Mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than two days
- Increasing size of the abdomen
- Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping
- Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized)
- Excessive panting
- Inability to chew dry food or chewing on one side of the mouth only
- Blood in stool or urine
- Sudden collapse or bout of weakness
- A seizure (convulsion)
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest
Keeping your pet active—playing, exercising and training – are good ways to keep their mind and body sharp. Scheduling regular veterinary examinations is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to help maintain their pet’s health. Senior care, which starts with a regular veterinary exam, is needed to help ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life.
Daniel Brod, DVM, is a founding partner of Deer Creek Animal Hospital. For more information on senior pet healthcare and other veterinary medical questions visit, www.dcah.com or call, 303-973-4200.
Additional sources were used in compiling this article including: The American Animal Hospital Association of which Deer Creek Animal Hospital is a member hospital.
