Senior Pet Care Guide  

Is your pet considered a senior? Pets are living longer than ever before thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and better diets. The answer to the question, "at what age is your pet considered a senior?" varies with the size of your pet. Large breed dogs begin aging sooner than small breed dogs and cats. Most dogs and cats are considered seniors by the age of 7-8 years of age, while large to giant breed dogs can reach senior status as early as age 5.

Your pet does not become "old" overnight; aging is a process. Animals age faster than humans do. Because of this, age-related illnesses can progress at a faster rate. Dogs and cats face many of the same health problems that we do when we age - arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease, heart disease and hearing and vision deficits.

Some aging changes are obvious, such as lameness, decreased physical activity, behavior changes and urinary or fecal accidents in the house. Other aging changes are more subtle and hard to detect; this is especially true of cats because they are good at hiding signs of illness. A pet is a member of the family, and with proper nutrition, care and attention, you can increase the length and quality of your pet's life.

Senior Pet Diseases:
Arthritis - a painful condition mostly affecting dogs. Signs may include stiffness, lameness, decreased physical activity, reluctance to climb stairs and behavior changes.

Dental disease - this is a major health problem of senior dogs and cats. Without treatment, dental disease allows for bacteria to enter the blood and can lead to infections in other organs in the body.  Regular dental care can add years to your pet's life.

Kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease and heart disease - are all common diseases affecting many of the main organ systems of the body. Many of these conditions, if detected early, can be treated to prolong your pet's life.

Hearing and vision deficits - cataracts and glaucoma can cause vision loss in older pets. Checking intra-ocular pressures may help prolong your pet's vision. Hearing loss is not uncommon, but unfortunately there is no treatment for this.

Cancer - it has been reported that up to 25% of animals develop cancer in their lifetime, most commonly in older pets. Fortunately, many forms of cancer can be treated.

Thyroid Disease - thyroid disease can affect dogs and cats, but in different ways, and is treatable in both.

What you can do for your senior pet:

1. Schedule regular, routine veterinary visits - every 6 - 12 months is recommended.

2. Note any changes in behavior or appearance and contact us at Lake Side Animal Hospital.

3. Switch your pet to an appropriate senior diet, which provides enhanced levels of key nutrients.

4. Have your senior pet's teeth cleaned regularly.

5. Control your pet's weight and provide moderate exercise.

6. Provide easy access to fresh, clean water.

7. Enhance their living environment - avoid extreme hot and cold temperature, provide appropriate bedding, and prevent stress by keeping a schedule. 

What we, Lake Side Animal Hospital, will do to help your senior pet::

1. Perform geriatric exams, including offering tests that help to monitor organ function. We highly recommend yearly senior blood panels.

2. Provide feeding and diet recommendations. We recommend a senior or other appropriate diet, based on the individual pet.

3. Provide medications and instructions - pain meds for arthritic pets, insulin for diabetic pets, again based on individual basis.

4. Maintain dental health through regular exams and dental cleanings.

5. Assist with health care decisions for your aging pet.

Let us help you improve your pet's quality of life and add years to your relationship with your pet.