As a consolation to the senior population, aging is not a disease! Senior pets can lead a long and happy life given the proper healthcare and diet. Your pet (whether feline or K-9) is considered to be a senior at age 7. Here are a few tips to help you and your pet enjoy each passing year.
Our pets age four to seven years for every human year. Wellness exams (every 6 months) in senior pets allows the doctor to check and evaluate the condition of your pet's heart, lungs, joints and muscles, eyes, anal glands, and teeth. By performing routine blood work, we can often detect diseases in the early stages when they are more easily treated.
Common ailments of an aging pet include: Dental disease, arthritis, various lumps and bumps, diabetes, kidney and thyroid disease.
- Dental disease can lead to difficulty eating, pain when chewing and systemic infections. We often forget that the mouth is a big entry way into the body for bacteria. As they approach old age, it continues to be important to keep your pet's mouth healthy through regular dental cleanings.
- Arthritis can be a challenge to the mobility of our dear friends. Several factors are important to help with arthritis: a good blend of appropriate exercise, a normal body weight, good nutrition and occasional medical intervention.
- Exercise: Shorter frequent walks can help increase mobility as well as maintain your pet at a normal body weight.
- Good nutrition: Many senior pets are obese. Extra weight compounds the forces on joints leading painful arthritis. A good source of protein helps to support lean muscle mass. Low to moderate carbohydrates maintains good weight. Most of our senior pets will benefit from a senior or weight control diet depending on their needs.
- Medical intervention: The use of supplements and anti-inflammatory medication can be safe for your pet. These can aid in increasing mobility and joint health. They help to relieve pain and allow your pet to become more active. Chiropractics is used to help with arthritis. Chiropractic adjustments reduce strain on joints and lead to increased mobility of the joints. (See Dr. Beebee's vet tip on ‘Chiropractic Therapy and Goals’).
- Various lumps and bumps: When our pets get older they can become a little lumpy. Many of these growths are benign but should always be examined to be sure. If they are not benign, it is much easier to remove and treat when detected early.
- Diabetes, kidney and thyroid disease can lead to unexpected weight loss or gain in your senior pet. You may notice a change in your pet’s water consumption, usually more than normal. Tests can be performed to rule out these diseases.
SENIOR PET WELLNESS
By Dr. Jennifer Tutko, DVM
AUGUST 2010
