AAHA
Like people, pets are living longer... As your pet ages, changes occur in its physical condition, which warrant additional care aside from the annual veterinary check-up. Usually these changes are a result of deteriorating body functions such as hearing or vision loss, or possibly symptoms of a disease. Whatever the case may be, you will want to develop a complete geriatric health maintenance program with your veterinarian to provide optimal care for your older pet.
At what age is my considered "old"?
The aging process varies with breed and lifestyle. Your veterinarian will follow these guidelines to help determine when your pet reaches the "golden years": <editors note: the ages below are not life expectancies>
Small dogs (less than 20 pounds) 9 to 13 years
Medium dogs (21-50 pounds) 9 to 11.5 years
Large dogs (51-90 pounds) 7.5 to 10.5 years
Giant dogs (over 90 pounds) 6 to 9 years
Cats (most breeds) 8 to 10 yearsWhat do I do with my overweight pet?
Older pets are apt to gain weight as the body's metabolism and the pet's activity level slow down; therefore, food consumptionmust be balanced with the activity level of the pet. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate exercise and a proper diet to meet your pet's needs.
How often should I exercise my pet?
Regular exercise is important to maintain bone strength, muscle tone, and stamina. However, if your pet has difficulty standing up or walking, a degenerative joint disease or arthritis may be the problem. Arthritis is a common ailment, especially in older dogs, often impairing the ability to stand or walk. Taking daily walks and playing with your pet are excellent methods of promoting physical activity as well as enjoying their companionship.
How important is dental care even though my pet is old?
Very important! Tooth loss and gum diseases are more common as your pet gets older. There is even a more serious risk to your pet's health if the gums become infected causing bacteria to spread into the bloodstream. Tumors of the mouth and gums also are more likely to appear in an older pet. Your veterinarian will perform dental exams and cleanings as determined by the condition of your pet's teeth and will educate you on home dental care.
Should I groom my pet more often?
Weekly grooming is an ideal time to look for external parasites, as well as notice the condition of the eyes, ears, mouth, paws, anus and genitalia. Because your pet is getting older, it is important to know that skin problems may happen more often since the skin is less elastic and does not repair itself as quickly. And, if it seems that your pet is long more hair, it is probably because hair follicles are not as active as in the younger years. With the skin's immune system also slowing down, tumors in and under the skin become more likely. If you happen to notice any abnormal odors, discharges, swellings, or lumps during grooming, report them immediately to your veterinarian.
Will my pet become blind or deaf?
Hearing and vision losses are age-related changes and cannot be prevented. Other sensory losses such as smell and taste also may occur as your pet ages. For the most part, pets adapt readily to diminishing senses and will compensate with other senses to make up for a loss. You will want to contact your veterinarian on how to manage your pet's particular sensory loss.
As a pet owner, you also should be aware of any unusual changes in appetite, water intake, urination, bowel movements, weight loss or gain, vision, hearing, activity level and attitude. These and any other signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing should be promptly reported to your veterinarian.
How does a geriatric exam differ from my pet's normal exam?
A geriatric exam is more extensive than a normal exam. Your veterinarian will conduct a standard physical examination as well as oral and rectal examinations ever six months. Along with these standard exams, your veterinarian also will examine your pet's ears, eyes, and thyroid glands. Some laboratory work will be done, namely a complete blood count and a urinalysis; however other laboratory tests may be done if your veterinarian feels that it's necessary. It is important to establish a baseline of normal values for your pet in order to readily identify changes.
Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, regular geriatric check-ups are important to manage many of the ailments associated with aging. Dogs and cats over seven years of age should be examined by a veterinarian twice a year. A complete geriatric health maintenance program can provide a means to target age-related health problems, institute preventive health care measures, and detect any disorder early enough to provide the appropriate medical attention. This program also educates you, the pet owner, on health risks to your older pet and preventive steps.
All of these components as well as following your veterinarians' recommendations for exercise, administration of any medication and a proper diet are essential to the health and happiness of your older pet.
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