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Meeting the Needs of Your Older Pets
by: Debbie Ray
Depending on the size and breed of your older pets you may have noticed that
it is a bit slower when chasing a ball, struggles a bit more getting up the
first thing in the morning or loses its breath a bit quicker. The aging process
wears down your pet in much the same way it does us, but on a much faster pace.
While most human beings live to be 70+, a dog, depending on many factors, often
lives for 10 years or less. Many dogs begin showing health/age related problems
at different ages. This is related in a large way to the size of the animal.
Despite all those size and age brackets there is no one hard and fast rule. The
best way to judge is based on the individual animal and the changes in its own
behavior and health. The best thing you can do for an older animal is to keep it
healthy and not over or under weight. Also, keep your older pets exercised, but
be careful not to overdo it.
There are certain things you should look for in your pet as you do your grooming
rituals. Below find a list of several things to watch for, especially in your
older pets.
Teeth/gums: Check your pet and see what is normal for it as "normal" may be
different from one dog to another. Changes in gum color can indicate potential
problems. Foul breath can be another warning sign as well as loss of weight,
pawing at the mouth, excessive salivation, swallowing difficulty or other signs
of pain.
Lumps/bumps: Check your pet for these as you groom the animal. Masses are common
and in most cases are benign but if you find a new one of these, consult your
vet to have it checked as cancer is quite common in dogs, particularly those who
have not been spayed or neutered early in life.
Eyes: If you notice a change in the dogs eyes, such as a bluish-gray tint,
consult with your vet to see exactly what is the cause and what treatment is
involved. Cataracts, genetic diseases and other causes are often the root of
sight loss in older animals.
Mobility: Arthritis is common in the older pets but other problems such as
degenerative joint disease may be at the root of that stiffness in the mornings.
Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids are often prescribed to aid in this problem.
Common aspirin can also help but is often used as a last resort due to side
effects.
Changes in thirst and elimination: Changes such as increased thirst or having to
go more often are indications of potential kidney or bladder disease or maybe
even diabetes. Check with your vet.
Body/Coat Condition: Keeping your dog in shape cuts down on a lot of potential
health problems - heart disease, etc. If the coat becomes overly flaky or there
is excessive hair loss, your dog may have a hormonal problem which can be
diagnosed through a simple blood test.
Heart disease: Changes in sleeping habits or coughing through the night can be
indicators of canine heart disease. Frequent checkups can often prevent these
types of diseases. Consult your vet with any questions that you may have
concerning your older pets.
The needs of an older animal are often different so it is very important to
maintain communication with much veterinarian concerning all your pets health
problems or changes which are included in this advancing age process. |
