by Willis Scott
For many of us, our pets are family members, and sadly, like us one day they will grow old. The average lifespan for a cat is 15-20 years, and they hit their senior years starting at age 8 and are considered elderly by around age 12. Dogs are a bit more complicated. Large breeds age faster and have shorter lifespans than small breeds. Large breeds are considered seniors by age 7, small breeds not until age 13 or so. The giant breeds age the quickest and only have a lifespan of around 8 years. Like us, when our pets get old they often require special care and can experience many of the same problems that strike elderly humans. Fortunately just because they are old doesn’t mean they can’t continue to enjoy a high quality of life. It just takes some extra TLC from you and your vet. You’ll also need to be more vigilant-the sooner you spot a potential problem the less impact it could have on your pet. You may need to make some changes or accommodations for your pet’s comfort but they’re worth it, aren’t they? Read on for more information on caring for an elderly pet.
Nutrition
You’ll find your pet’s eating habits may change as they grow older. As they begin to slow down they won’t need as many calories. Switch to a high quality food formulated for seniors. These foods will help them maintain a healthy weight and be easier to eat since older pets tend to have worn or even missing teeth. Make sure to have plenty of water available at all times, but call your vet if your pet seems to be drinking particularly large amounts-this could be a sign of diabetes or kidney issues.
Exercise
Like elderly people, elderly pets are generally less active. Some may start sleeping more, and most will no longer be interested in play. This is normal, but you should still take your elderly dog for walks if they are up to it and encourage elderly cats to engage in gentle play. Staying active can help stiff and sore joints and overall health.
Hygiene
Like us, sometimes older pets develop arthritis or other joint problems and as a result may have difficulty grooming themselves. They’ll appreciate your help. Brush regularly and use soft baby wipes to help clean and moisturize the coat. Do note, that if your pet stops grooming itself altogether you should tell your vet. Loss of interest in grooming can be an early sign of illness.
Common Issues
Your pet may experience some common issues associated with aging including arthritis, cataracts, hearing loss, incontinence and even senility. In cats, hyperthyroid disease, diabetes and kidney issues are common. Should your pet exhibit any signs of these issues, don’t panic. They can all be treated or managed, sometimes with just a few accommodations, such as stairs or a ramp to help pets with joint issues get to their favourite spots, or extra fluids for cats with kidney issues. The key is find an experienced vet and to keep a line of communication open with them at all times. Hyperthyroid is treated with medication and just like humans, pets with diabetes do find with regular insulin injections. Pets with hearing or vision issues should never be let outside alone and any children in the household should be instructed to never come up on them from behind or startle them.
Sarah L. Yardley is a contributing author and veterinarian. She specializes in feline and geriatric pet care and often recommends All Pets Vet Hospital to clients looking for high quality or specialized veterinary services for their pets. She trusts their tradition of outstanding service, quality, and care of both their two and four-footed clients.
