Part of the joy of
owning a pet is growing and maturing together. As our pets become
senescent it is important to understand that they will require an
increased level of care, both medically and at home. Cats and dogs
age at different rates and have different geriatric needs.
Additionally, most large breed dogs age faster than small breed dogs.
Cats
Since
cats think they are superior to dogs we will start with them.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP),
“seniors” range from 11 to 14 years old and your cat is
considered “geriatric” after 15. Potential health concerns in an
aging cat include: arthritis,
cancer, cognitive (brain) disorders, constipation,
deafness, dental disease, diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism,
inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and/or vision problems.
(Phew!)
The challenge lies
in identifying signs of these diseases:
Did
you know that an inability of your cat to jump may indicate
diabetes? Most cats are very stoic and tend to hide pain or
discomfort from even the most observant owners, so please share
even small changes in your older cat with your Whole Pet vet. Signs
of illness may include: increase or change in vocalization; inability
to jump, run or play; decreased or increased appetite; weight gain or
loss; changes in temperature preference (eg. 'My cat used to like
sitting near the heater but now chooses to sit in the cool window
sill or tiled bathroom floor'); changes in litter box habits; odor
from mouth; or excessive licking over one body part.
For
each calendar year, your cat ages about 6-7 years worth! For this
reason, a physical
exam by a veterinarian every 6 months for cats over 10 years old
along with annual blood test screening contributes to early detection
of illness and early treatment. Just think, that is an exam for
your cat only every 3.5 years when compared to humans. Blood tests
should be done on your young healthy cat annually after 3 years old
to establish “normals” which allows the veterinarian to identify
trends. In between exams use your observation skills to monitor for
changes in weight, behavior, activity, or personality.
You can help your aging cat by making
some changes at home. For
pets with arthritis put food and water bowls in easy to access
places or build a ramp or steps to the bowl. Add an extra water
bowl or fountain because most aging pets, and people, need plenty of
water. Add a component of moist food to your cat's diet at an early
age to fend off dehydration and kidney disease. Supplements like
glucosamine and fish oil should be started early to minimize
arthritis pain and enhance organ health. Incorporating another litter
box in a convenient area may be necessary. Since older cats are
not as active as when young you may need to trim their nails more
often to prevent overgrowth that can get caught in carpets and
tear. Check them monthly. Cats may need help grooming when they are
very aged so gently brush if they will allow. Be mindful: a 12 year
old cat that is not grooming may be a sign of pain.
Dogs
In general, a dog
is considered senior between 7-10 years of age, although this varies
between size dogs. Small breed dogs (become senior later) tend to
live longer than the giant-breed dogs(senior earlier). The list of
potential health problems for a dog is similar to that of a cat but
with some variations. Arthritis, cancer, prostate disease,
cognitive disorders, intestinal problems, deafness, dental disease,
diabetes, heart disease, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, urinary
incontinence, liver disease, and/or vision problems.
Many people believe falsely that a
limping dog is NOT in pain.
However, if you see your dog limping, it is most likely because the
leg with the limp hurts. Sometimes limps are subtle and need a
veterinarian to identify. Additional signs of illness may include:
urine accidents; skin lumps; constipation or diarrhea; shortness of
breath, coughing, or other difficulty breathing; weakness; changes
in weight, appetite or water intake; increased vocalization; or
uncharacteristic aggression.
Did
you know that a 7 year old labrador is 50 in “dog years” and at
age 13 they are 82! For this reason, a
physical exam by a veterinarian every 6 months for dogs
over 7 years old along with annual blood test screening contributes
to early detection of illness and early treatment. Compared to human
years that is really only a good check up about every 3 years. Blood
tests should be done on younger dogs to establish “normals” which
allows the veterinarian to identify trends. In between veterinary
visits your dog relies on you to read subtle cues of illness.
You can help your senior canine continue to live a happy and
healthy life. It may require putting rugs on hardwood floors to
provide traction for arthritic dogs. Use orthopedic beds, or
additional blankets or padding for their bed. Provide ramps or stairs
to get to frequently used locations, in and out of house and car.
Senior dogs may need to be let out more frequently to go to
eliminate.
Addressing your older pet's diet is one
way that you can keep your senior canine healthy. Diets for senior
pets should be lower in fat but not lower in protein. A good
quality diet should contain a high quality protein as one of the
first listed ingredients. Some high-end senior diets will be rich in
antioxidants which will slow brain aging (Hills B/D).
Supplements are usually beneficial and
should include fish oil
for arthritis and organ health. A
good quality glucosamine and chondroitin joint
supplement reduces arthritis pain in most dogs. Finally if your
pet is showing signs of brain aging there are several supplements
available that have great promise. Recent research has also shown
that behavioral enrichment and continued physical exercise in older
dogs helps to slow dementia.
If your pet is losing their vision, remove obstacles and clutter
and cover any sharp edges. Also, keep the layout of your house the
same so your pet can navigate with confidence. Older animals may not
maintain their body temperature as efficiently, so they will rely
partially on you to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the
summer.
So a little extra care and vigilance will make your pets'
retirement years more comfortable: a gift back to them for a lifetime
of their unconditional love!
