Caring for senior pets

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and increased nutritional knowledge, many animals are living longer lives. This means there are more and more senior pets out there who tend to have specific needs. In general, most veterinarians consider a dog or cat who is older than seven years to be a senior pet.

Most pet parents will notice things like more grey hair or a slower pace as their animal companions age but there can also be subtle changes that people don't always realize are a symptom of aging that can affect a pet's quality of life.

Arthritis is a very common part of aging that most people can relate to. Some signs that your pet might have arthritis: less activity; less willing to get up on furniture; difficulty getting in and out of vehicles; irritation when being petted and even depression. There are many wonderful medications available to help animals with arthritis including different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and joint supplements.

Most veterinarians approach arthritis with a "multi-modal approach"- use of a variety of ways to help. Acupuncture, laser therapy and massage are being used more frequently and there are also many pet foods formulated to help senior pets. Owners can try using orthopedic pet beds for comfort and use stairs or ramps to help their aging friends get around.

Some pet owners think a puppy or kitten might be fun for a senior pet, or they want their well-seasoned, perfectly behaved older dog to help train a new pup. This sounds cute but it isn't always the right thing for your aging pet. (We wouldn't necessarily be welcome in a senior living facility with a rambunctious, screaming toddler, would we?) Talk with your veterinarian before introducing a new family member when you already have an older pet. Perhaps the best addition would be to adopt an adult shelter pet.

Behavior changes in pets can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction, which is very real and quite similar to senility in humans. Increased vocalization, anxiety, confusion, aggression, house-soiling, changes in sleep patterns and less interest in playing are all potential signs of cognitive dysfunction. Patience amongst family members and perhaps some household alterations such as baby gates or an established 'quiet time' can help keep these patients calm.

Teaching your pet hand signals when they are young can help out if they start to lose hearing and most pets do remarkably well with hearing and vision loss (as long as you don't move the furniture around)!

Obesity makes aging a lot harder for pets so try to maintain a healthy weight. If you can balance a coffee cup on your dog's back, they are probably too large. Conversely, kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism all present with weight loss in senior kitties so be mindful of weight changes.

Your veterinarian can help you guide you and your pet through their senior years. Annual wellness exams to check teeth, weight, heart health and more are absolutely recommended even if you aren't seeing more grey in Whisker's face or a slower pace on Snoopy's walk.