Golden Rules for Your Pet’s Golden Years

By Katie Volat, DVM

One of the most commonly asked questions I hear during senior pet wellness exams is “How can I ensure my pet lives as long as possible?” Although some things are beyond our control, there is a lot we can do as pet owners to ensure our pets have the best possible chance of a long and healthy life. Here are my top 10 tips:

1. Recognize changes in routine.

This simple fact cannot be stressed enough. Is your dog or cat doing the same things he or she did a few years ago? Is Fluffy still able to run and catch his ball? Is Princess drinking much more water than she ever did earlier in life? Is she all of a sudden sleeping in different places or more vocal at night? Our pets are literally creatures of habit, with very distinct routines. If you notice a new behavior or change in appetite or activity level, this could be an early clue that an underlying disease process is starting—such as vision loss, hearing loss, or something potentially more serious. If this sounds familiar, bring your pet to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. You may be saving her life by catching a problem early.

2. Dental health.

Dental disease can be painful. It can also seed your pet’s body with infection. As our pets age, it is critically important to maintain healthy gums and prevent tartar build up. This involves regular tooth brushing and periodic dental cleanings by your veterinarian. Remember to monitor for bad breath or difficulty chewing (dropping food after picking it up) which are also common signs of dental disease. Simply looking in your pet’s mouth on a regular basis is a great practice that may alert you to problems before they are too serious.

3. Weight.

Obesity in older pets leads to all the same problems that we as humans are faced with: arthritis, heart disease, breathing issues, diabetes, etc. Senior pets’ calorie requirements decrease as they age because their metabolism slows down. Therefore, start to keep an eye on your pet’s body weight. The majority of senior pets require LESS food and treats to keep their weight the same. They also may require new foods that are easier to digest, depending on their overall health status. On the other hand, weight loss can sometimes be the only sign that something is wrong. Contrary to popular belief, loosing weight is not a normal sign of old age. If you notice your pet loosing weight inexplicably, its time for an appointment with their veterinarian.

4. Pain management.

Chronic pain is no fun. Arthritis pain can affect all older pets…even small dogs and cats. X-rays and a physical exam can determine the level of arthritis your pet is suffering from. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage pain in senior pets even if we cannot reverse the effects of arthritis. There are joint supplements in flavored formulas for easy administration as well as various pain medications and treatments that can be tailored to your senior pet’s specific health status and lifestyle.

5. Unusually thirsty?

It isn’t normal for your cat or dog to drink more as they age. A steady and significant increase in water intake and/or urine output can signify kidney disease, diabetes, infection, or hormonal disorders in cats and dogs. Blood and urine tests performed by your veterinarian can help to determine the underlying cause.

6. Disorientation/cognitive dysfunction.

Pets can develop dementia and cognitive changes as they age. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, changes in sleep patterns, increased vocalizations, and loss of bladder control. If your older pet cannot see or hear as well, it is easier for them to get startled and potentially snap or bite if they cannot recognize someone is approaching them. This is commonly mistaken for aggression or “cranky old dog” behavior. Although the problem cannot be cured, there are a number of treatment options, ranging from holistic supplements to medications that can be used to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

7. Hygiene.

Older animals may require additional grooming such as more frequent coat clipping, baths, toenail trims and tooth brushing. Check your older pets toenails for thickened or ingrown nails. If they are not running or exercising as much as they used to, their nails may grow much quicker. A common senior cat ailment is ingrown toenails…check your older kitty for this painful condition!

8. Behavior changes.

Changes in behavior should not be chalked up to “old age.” If your pet is no longer doing an activity that he used to enjoy, it could be related to a painful condition, cognitive dysfunction, vision loss, hearing loss, or something potentially more serious. We owe it to them to ensure they are not suffering in silence.

9. Exercise.

Move it or lose it! Older pets never really lose the desire to play, they just cannot move as quickly or as easily. Substitute more frequent shorter walks or less intense games of fetch. Think outside of the box: interact with your pets in different ways (training games, interactive puzzles, car rides, pet strollers, etc.) if they are unable to run and jump anymore.

10. Nutrition.

Did you know that there are many diets for pets designed to help manage various illnesses such as kidney, liver, and heart disease? Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a specific diet based on your senior pets specific condition.

Senior status comes with the challenges of age. Watching out for the big “red flags” and preparing for the inevitable aging process early will make life easier and quality of life better for your senior pet. It’s not only about adding years to their lives, it’s about adding quality. We have the ability to ensure their senior years are comfortable and enjoyable…it’s the least we can do to repay them for the love and companionship they generously give to us!

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Katie Volat, DVM, Capvet1@gmail.com