How to Care for Aging Dogs and Cats

No one wants to imagine that their cute puppy or kitten will one day become old, and eventually die. However, aging is a fact of life for both humans and animals. The good news is that with a little extra care and attention, your pets can live healthy and happy lives in their golden years.

In this article, you will learn how to care for your aging dogs and cats (also referred to as ‘senior’ pets).

So, when is a pet considered a ‘senior’?

The life spans for dogs and cats vary depending on factors such as their size, breed and environment. Generally, cats are considered seniors from 7 to 11 years old. According to the American Kennel Club, senior dogs can be classified as follows:

• Small breeds: 8 to 11 years

• Medius-sized breeds: 8 to 10 years

• Large breeds: 8 to 9 years

• Giant breeds: 6 to 7 years

Health Problems in Senior Pets

As pets age, they naturally become vulnerable to specific health issues. Signs to look out for include discolored skin, bleeding from body openings, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling and changes in behavior.

Here are some of the common health problems in dogs and cats:

• Cancer: Dogs and cats are both prone to cancer of the white blood cells (lymphoma). However, dogs are more vulnerable to breast, bone, skin and soft tissue cancer.

• Dental disease: Gum and tooth problems can make it hard for your dog or cat to eat. This disease can also lead to heart, respiratory and liver infections, especially for senior pets with low immunity.

• Kidney disease: Symptoms of kidney disease include increased urination, drinking a lot of water and bad breath. However, these could also be symptoms of other health problems like diabetes.

• Vision and hearing loss: Just like humans, cats and dogs have problems with sight and hearing as they grow older. Glaucoma and cataracts are the common causes of poor vision.

• Thyroid disorders: Senior cats and dogs often suffer from hyperthyroidism, which happens when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones. Symptoms include hair loss, increased thirst, rapid heart rate and unexplained weight gain.

• Arthritis: Though this disease can affect all dogs and cats, it is more prevalent in larger dogs. Signs of arthritis include difficulty standing up or sitting down, walking stiffly, sleeping more, playing less and resisting being petted or touched.

• Senility: Older dogs and cats may experience ‘cognitive dysfunction’. This is shown by changes in behavior such as increased anxiety, acting confused or disoriented, increased meowing or barking, poor learning ability and memory, and increased protective/aggressive behavior.

Caring for Aging Dogs and Cats in Denver

Here are some things you can do to give your senior pet the best quality of life:

Senior-proof your house

Senior-proofing your home will make it easier for your aging cat or dog to get around. For instance, you could get a ramp to help the pet climb onto furniture. You might also want to place rugs in sections of your home where your pet could slip and fall. If your cat or dog is experiencing poor vision, keep water and food in easy-to-reach spots. You could also consider getting an orthopedic bed which will give them a comfortable place to rest.

Keep your senior pet active

As dogs and cats age, keeping their bodies and minds active is critical. Play with your cat often and take your dog for regular walks. Swimming is another great exercise that can help minimize the symptoms of arthritis.

Plan a healthy diet

If your senior pet is experiencing difficulty chewing, you might want to change to meals with a softer texture. For gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea, you could add more fiber to your cat’s or dog’s diet or change the protein source.

Schedule frequent vet checkups

The best way of caring for your senior pets is to detect and treat health problems early. If your cat or dog is experiencing some discomfort or showing changes in behavior, be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice.

Conclusion

Caring for your aging furry friend means that you will have to put in some extra work. This is the least you can do, considering the care and love they have shown you through the years. To manage the costs of veterinary care, you might want to sign up for pet health insurance coverage.

No matter the age of your pet, we will give them the best groom possible and take into consideration their condition and comfort.