Remember the first day you brought home that cuddly little kitten or roly-poly little puppy? It seems like only yesterday doesn’t it? The years have flown by and you and your beloved companion have made countless memories together. Maybe you’re seeing a little gray in your dog’s muzzle. Maybe you’re noticing your cat taking even more naps than he used to. Whatever it is, for every pet owner there comes a day when she realizes: my pet’s getting older!
When is my pet considered “old?”
It depends on your pet, as large dogs tend to experience age associated problems at an earlier age than small dogs and cats do. Small dogs (less than 20 lbs) and cats tend to be considered “senior pets” between the ages of 8 and 10 years. Medium to large breed dogs (21-90 lbs) are considered to be in their golden years at 7 to 9 years of age. Giant breed dogs (over 90 lbs) are considered geriatric between the ages of 6 and 8 years.
What kind of problems might my senior pet have?
Older pets tend to endure the same trials and tribulations as we humans do as we age. Arthritis (particularly in large and giant breed dogs), dental disease, eyesight problems, metabolic and endocrine diseases, and “brain aging” are just a few of the many potential challenges our pets face as they age. These problems most often develop over a period of many months or even a few years, and so their signs are very subtle.
How can I tell if my dog is having age related problems?
While the signs of age-related problems are subtle, there are a few things you can look for. For example, if your dog is having trouble going up and down stairs or seems to have more trouble getting up and moving around after a nap, she may be showing early signs of arthritis. In cats, arthritis is often even more subtle: if your cat seems to be having trouble jumping up on the bed, or difficulty using the litter box in his later years, he may also be suffering from arthritis.
Changes in eating and drinking patterns in older pets can also be significant. Consistently decreased eating and drinking can be indicative of a wide range of problems, from kidney and liver dysfunction to cancer.
While many pet owners are aware of the significance of decreased eating and drinking, it’s also important to watch for an increase in appetite and thirst. These signs can be indicative of serious endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s disease in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and diabetes in both dogs and cats. Rapid weight losses or weight gains are also signs of potential problems.
Observing your dog or cat interact with his environment can also provide clues to age-related problems. If your pet becomes easily confused or disoriented, she may be showing signs of cognitive dysfunction, a recently defined clinical syndrome that is much like Alzheimer’s disease in people. These pets may also be having problems related to vision loss. Disorders such as cataracts, retinal detachment and glaucoma can cause rapid loss of vision in our pets, or they may be more gradual. Observe your pet closely for signs of disorientation such as walking into objects, reacting to non-existent stimuli (for example, a dog “barking at nothing” or a cat who vocalizes much more than previously), and startling easily. These signs are often more pronounced in the dark.
What can I do to alleviate or even prevent age-related problems?
There’s an old saying that we’ve all heard: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Truer words have never been spoken when it comes to age-related problems in pets. Have your pets spayed or neutered at an early age (4-6 months) to prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems in male pets, mammary cancer and uterine infections in female pets. Yearly physical exams in adult pets will allow your veterinarian to detect subtle health problems in your pet, as well as discuss a myriad of ways in which you can keep him healthy for life.
For example, part of every annual wellness evaluation at Mill Creek Animal Hospital includes an assessment of your pet’s current weight as well as her weight trend (i.e. Is she gaining or losing weight). Your veterinarian will make dietary recommendations based on this information. This is very important, as maintaining a healthy weight goes a long way toward reducing the incidence of such problems as arthritis, diabetes, and liver problems (particularly in cats). Another aspect of the annual wellness evaluation is the assessment of dental health.
Your veterinarian will closely examine your pet’s teeth and gums, teach you preventive dental care techniques, and alert you to the presence of tartar, gingivitis and other dental conditions that require treatment. This is important because an unhealthy mouth is also bad for the heart, kidneys and liver as bacteria and the inflammatory cascade from infected teeth and gums can damage these organs as well.
When your pet reaches the “senior years,” the early detection of problems becomes even more important.
With this in mind, the doctors and staff at Mill Creek Animal Hospital advocate twice-annual physical exams, for pets aged 8 and over. A year between physical exams for our pets is like seven years between physical exams for humans, and much can change in that time. A physical exam every 6 months can allow your veterinarian to more closely follow trends in weight gain or loss, activity level and appetite. In addition, important changes such as heart murmurs, skin lumps or bumps, or dental disease can be detected and treated early, increasing the chances of a successful treatment outcome.
In addition to twice yearly physical exams, we at Mill Creek Animal Hospital recommend yearly blood and urine screening tests, what we term our “internal physical exam”. The results of these tests aid us in the early detection of problems such as kidney and liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, overactive thyroid, and ocular problems. Your veterinarian will tailor a senior wellness program specific to your pet’s special needs. Early detection and intervention are the keys to a better and less expensive outcome.
We all get older, and our pets are no exception to the rule. While we can’t make him a puppy or kitten again, together we can help your senior pet keep that youthful energy! The doctors and staff at Mill Creek Animal Hospital are here to help you to help your pet stay happy and healthy throughout his golden years. Through diligent preventive care and the early detection and treatment of problems, we can help ensure a better quality of life and a longer lived life for you and your pet to enjoy together.