Animal Medical Hospital Blog

Our pets are living longer than ever before thanks to advancements in care and medicine.  With this increased lifespan, however, comes increased susceptibility to disease.  By recognizing that our pets age more quickly than we do and taking appropriate precautions and actions, we can ensure that their golden years are quality years.

It is easy to forget that at around the early age of seven, our pets are considered to be senior citizens.  As a general rule, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds.  Cats may even live longer.  Because they are aging at such a fast rate compared to humans, yearly exams may not be enough.  One year may be equivalent to 5-7 human years!  It is recommended that senior pets have a wellness exam performed every six months.  This exam may include all or some of the following:

• A comprehensive physical exam:  The pet’s body systems are carefully examined in order to detect any signs of problems.
• Complete blood count:  This test measures your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets and may help diagnose things such as infection, anemia, and leukemia.
• Blood chemistry:  These panels help your veterinarian determine how major organs, such as the kidneys, pancreas, and liver, are functioning.
• Thyroid check:  The thyroid gland can be a problem, particularly in cats.  Blood tests can help to identify any problems.
• Urinalysis:  Analysis of the urine may be used to detect the presence of protein, sugar, white blood cells or blood.  The ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine is also observed.  Urinalysis can help to diagnose of urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and more.
• Other tests or procedures based on physical exam or laboratory findings may be recommended.

Establishing baseline values can be valuable for even a seemingly healthy pet.  Many times subtle changes in lab work are the first sign of illness, and early detection almost always yields a better outcome.  The semi-annual checkup is also a great time to discuss difficulties and changes in your pet’s life such as behavior changes, differences in nutritional and exercise requirements, and pain.  This is a simple, effective way to help make sure your pet has many more quality years to come!

Animals are very good at hiding signs of illness and weakness.  If you think about it, it makes sense.  Critters living out in the wild that are not at the top of their game are often called dinner.  Our family friends are not living out in nature, however.  It is our job to pay close attention so that we are conscious of subtle signs of problems early in their course.  The following is a list of some obvious and not-so-obvious signs that a problem could be lurking:

• Sustained changes in attitude or activity level
• Changes in drinking habits (increased or decreased consumption)
• Changes in appetite (increased, decreased, or absent)
• Changes in urination habits (increased, decreased, straining, blood in urine)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Decreased vision and/or hearing
• Changes in the appearance of the eyes
• Harder time getting around, stiffness
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Bad breath, drooling
• New lumps or bumps
• Repeated vomiting
• Lameness, especially that lasting over 5 days or in more than one leg
• Excessive panting
• Breathing heavily or quickly while resting
• Hiding, especially for cats

When you are familiar with your pet’s normal habits and behavior, it becomes much easier to identify a problem.  If you are able to draw these types of issues to your veterinarian’s attention, you offer valuable information that just might help detect a problem before it becomes detrimental to your pet’s health.

Simple things such as osteoarthritis, weight changes, or dental disease can affect your senior pet immensely.  In many cases preventative care can help to minimize or eliminate the impact of such challenges.

• Routine veterinary care

Because animals age so much more quickly than humans, semi-annual wellness visits are advised.  At these visits your veterinarian can identify problems early in their course, hopefully stopping or slowing their effects.

• Exercise:

Senior animals should continue to live an active life as much as possible.  Encouraging gentle exercise will help them to keep their joints mobile and their organs functioning well.  Some pets may benefit from pain medications that your veterinarian can prescribe.  These can help to keep older animals comfortable and active.

• Nutrition:

Older pets often require a diet formulated for the nutritional requirements of the senior pet.  These can help to keep weight under control as the metabolism and activity level slow.  Obesity can be a serious problem for older animals, further limiting mobility and putting the organs under undue strain.  Certain pets may also benefit from avoiding or including certain ingredients in their diets.  Your veterinarian can help you to formulate a personalized feeding program that can help your pet to stay healthier longer.

• Dental care:

Dental disease is a serious problem for many pets.  Bacteria in the mouth can adversely affect other organs in the body such as the heart and liver. Diseased teeth and gums can be immensely painful.  Proper dental cleaning requires anesthesia to ensure that all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, including under the gum line.  Your veterinarian can tailor a protocol specific to your pet in order to ensure the safest anesthetic experience possible.

It may seem like yesterday that you first fell in love with your puppy or kitten, but everyday they are getting older.  Certain changes are common in aging pets just as they are for people.  These changes can affect how your pet behaves and experiences life.  By acknowledging them, however, we can help our pets to cope with these new challenges and maintain a great quality of life.

• Dulling of the senses:

Just like an elderly person, senior pets may not hear or see as well as they once did.  While there may not be any way to reverse losses, the conscientious pet owner can help their animal adjust.  Take care to not surprise pets that cannot hear or see you coming.  If your pet’s eyesight is failing, you may avoid rearranging furniture and other objects in the household in order to make them feel more secure.

• Difficulty getting around:

Creaky bones are an unfortunate consequence of normal wear and tear.  If you notice your pet having a hard time, try to make adjustments to accommodate this challenge. There are many varieties of steps and ramps made just for pets that can help them get in and out of the car, climb onto the bed, or nap in their favorite window.  If you notice Fluffy having a hard time getting in or out of the litter box, consider a shallower and/or larger box.  If Fido is slow to rise out of his bed, consider a thicker, plusher cushion.  Your veterinarian may also be able to prescribe medications or recommend treatments that can help with arthritis pain.  Older pets should continue to be active, however less intense activities may be necessary.

• Changes in personality:

A pet that is in pain or not feeling well may become crabby or distant.  Older pets may not be as tolerant as they once were simply because they hurt.  Take this into consideration, particularly when they are around small children who may not always be gentle.  Pets can also suffer from a form of dementia known as cognitive dysfunction.  Any major changes in personality indicate the need for an examination by your vet.

• Loss of housebreaking:

Accidents in the house may indicate a health problem including arthritis, kidney problems, endocrine problems, or cognitive dysfunction.  These should be investigated in order to head off problems early.

Making small adjustments and discussing challenges with your vet can make a big difference in your faithful friend’s golden years.