Aging Pets

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AGING PETS NEED SPECIAL CARE

Diet, exercise and medical advances are not only benefiting humans, but are working to add years and enhance the quality of their pet's lives, too, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, an international professional association of veterinarians who treat companion animals. Medical advice that veterinarians offer owners of aging pets is similar to preventive Programs for humans-weight control, exercise, regular examinations and tests for early disease detection. Most experts agree cats and dogs are living longer, but few agree on the actual length of time that the animals' lives have increased.

As dogs and cats age, owners may notice physical signs including weight gain, thinning and graying coats, bad breath, behavioral changes, arthritis, hearing and vision loss, and inappropriate urination. Problems that aren't as noticeable are potentially fatal if left untreated.

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in dogs and cats. Other common ailments in aging pets include kidney failure, dental problems and heart disease. The key to controlling these problems is to detect the diseases early through annual visits to the veterinarian. Once dogs or cats reach seven years of age, it's important to conduct annual geriatric exams. During these exams, the veterinarian will give a standard physical examination and perform preventative laboratory work, such as a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile and urinalysis.

While medical advances help pets live longer, care at home and lifestyle are still the keys to increasing the quality and length of a pet's life. Veterinarians agree that weight control is probably the most important factor for the aging pet.

"As pets age, their metabolism changes and they are more likely to gain weight," says Dr. Rucker. "These extra pounds can lead to various health problems, including heart and respiratory ailments, diabetes, skeletal stress and gastrointestinal disorders." Veterinarians can recommend an appropriate diet that meets the pet's nutritional needs as it ages. Exercise can help keep pets trim but needs to be incorporated with fewer calories to aid weight loss. As pets age, many require moderate, consistent workouts as opposed to sporadic and strenuous walks or runs.

GROOMING REQUIREMENTS

Grooming and bathing patterns also change as pets age. Veterinarians often recommend that owners bath the animals more frequently and use special shampoos.

Dogs in their prime, for example, should be bathed every three to four weeks, while cats require daily combing. The frequency of bathing will depend on the climate in which the pet lives as well as its health status.

SPECIAL SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

Sleeping arrangements may also need to be altered for the older pet. Dogs and cats who develop arthritis need soft surfaces on which to sleep. Pets who spent most of their time outdoors may need to begin sleeping inside or in a warmer part of the house.

Cat owners should make litter boxes more accessible to pets because some aging cats have difficulty jumping.


REGULAR DENTAL CARE


Regular dental cleaning becomes more important as the pet ages. Proper dental care throughout your pet's life time can be a significant factor in preventing various health problems. Regular cleaning and polishing treatments for pets help keep a pet's teeth strong and healthy as it ages.

While many problems in older pets cannot be avoided as they are part of the normal aging process, owners who practice preventive care and a sensible diet and exercise routine can be providing their pets the best chance to live a longer, healthier life.