Dogs and cats are usually considered seniors when they reach 7 years of age. They slow down physically, just like humans do. Although the aging process is different for each animal, certain changes are common in most cats and dogs as they age. Problems related to age usually cannot be cured, but many can be managed successfully if detected early.
Older Pets
may walk stiffly and have trouble getting up and down stairs. They may have a dull, dry coat and lumps on various parts of their bodies. Pets can have many of the same physical problems as older people, like poor eyesight and hearing, arthritis, heart, kidney, and liver problems and dental disease. Early discovery and treatment of these diseases of aging is the key to improved health
COMMON OLDER PET CONCERNS:
Cognitive dysfunction can develop as your pet ages. This condition can cause behavioral changes including altered sleep cycles, emotional withdrawal, loss of appetite, tremors, urinating or defecating in the house, and compulsive behavior such as pacing or incessantly barking for no apparent reason. There are specific diets and medications that may be helpful in eliminating these undesirable behaviors.
Inappropriate elimination is a very common and frustrating problem for owners of aging pets. The kidneys are one of the most common organ systems to fail in a cat or dog. Hormone imbalances also affect the functioning of the kidneys. Your pet may not be able to hold his urine throughout the day, or urine may dribble out while he sleeps at night. Excessive urination or incontinence may indicate diabetes or kidney failure, both of which are treatable if detected early.
Arthritis is a common health concern for older pets. They may have difficulty walking, running, swimming, climbing stairs, etc. and may experience more stiffness in the morning. New pain management medications can help make your pet more comfortable.
Cancer is the number one non-accidental cause of death in dogs and cats. Pets found to have cancer can have prolonged and normal lives with treatment and/or surgery. New diets have been designed to help retard the progression of cancer.
Diet is an important part of your senior pet’s overall health. Slowing metabolism and lower activity levels make older pets more prone to obesity. Extra pounds place a burden on heart, lungs, kidneys, joints and muscles. It is very important to try to keep older pets at their ideal body weight through good nutrition and appropriate exercise. Obese animals have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure, degenerative joint disease, diabetes, hepatic lipidosis (cats), cancer, hypothyroidism (dogs), dermatological issues, and Cushing’s disease.
Nutritional Needs of older pets are significantly different from when they were younger. They require less protein, fewer calories and salt, and more vitamins and minerals. Some older pets have reduced appetite and digestive-absorptive capacity, resulting in inability to maintain optimal body weight. The ability to smell and taste may decrease with age, and poor oral health can affect your pet's desire to eat. Your veterinarian can help determine a nutritionally balanced diet for your older pet. Most importantly, senior pets need a high quality, balanced diet including antioxidants, fewer calories, lower fat content, high-quality protein, moderately fermentable fiber (beet pulp), and fatty acids.
Health Category
Common Senior Diseases
Prevalence
Signs
If Left Untreated
Rec. Tests
Periodontal disease, gingivitis, cancer
85% of dogs and cats over 6 years of age
Bad breath, accumulation of plaque & tartar on teeth, redness in gums, swollen gums, bleeding gums, excessive drooling, difficulty chewing hard food, oral masses
Bloodwork, specific endocrine blood profile, urinalysis
Cancers of the skin, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, etc.
50% of pets over the age of 10
Bleeding, lumps, irritated skin, identified mass, sores that don’t heal, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, loss of stamina, vomiting, diarrhea
Can progress to organ failure or death
Can progress to organ failure or death
Cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma
Many ocular diseases are inherited; often develops after 8 years of age
Gray, bluish hue at the center of the eye, rubbing, pressing head against objects, swelling, redness, irritation, tearing, bumping into objects, easily disoriented
Difficulty seeing, corneal ulceration, can progress to blindness, loss of eye
Sleeping more soundly, apparent lack of awareness of loud noises, no response to name, increased vocalization; itching, scratching & rubbing ear, shaking head
Disorientation, confusion, wandering aimlessly, staring off into space, decreased or altered response to family members, abnormal sleep-wake patterns, loss of housetraining, increased vocalization
Behaviors may worsen with time
Physical exam, bloodwork, change in diet to promote cognitive functioning, adaptations to pet’s lifestyle to cope with cognitive changes
Checklist for Senior Pets:
Just not acting himself or herself
Interacting less often with family
Responding less often or less enthusiastically
Change in behavior or activity level
Having difficulty climbing stairs
Having difficulty jumping
Exhibiting increased stiffness or limping
Drinking more often
Urinating more often
Change in eating patterns
Sudden weight loss or gain
Losing housetraining abilities
Change in sleeping patterns
Becoming confused or disoriented
Experiencing changes in hair coat, skin, or new growths
Scratching more often
Exhibiting bad breath, red, or swollen gums
Inability to chew dry food
Persistent coughing or gagging
Shortness of breath, excessive panting, or breathing heavily
Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Difficulty in passing stool or urine
Blood in stool or urine
Sudden collapse or bout of weakness
Exhibiting tremors or shaking
How to Determine the “True Age” of Your Pet:
Beginning at around age 7 your pet enters his senior years. As your pet gets older, there are a variety of health conditions which can go undetected. For example, a pet can lose 75% of his kidney function before showing the signs of kidney disease. A complete senior evaluation includes a comprehensive examination, complete chemistry blood profile, urinalysis, chest x-ray and radiology consultation, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). These diagnostic tests allow us to determine how various organs, such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, thyroid gland, heart and lungs are functioning.
Our approach for working with senior pets includes proper exercise, diet, dental care and frequent physical exams and laboratory tests. Senior pets benefit from a semi-annual comprehensive physical examination and yearly bloodwork. Subtle changes in laboratory test results, even in an outwardly healthy animal, may signal the presence of an underlying disease.
10 Steps for Good Health
Visit your veterinarian for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet's health.
As your pet approaches senior status, your veterinarian may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
Note changes in behavior or appearance and see your veterinarian. A trip to the veterinarian can get problems under control early, before they become major problems requiring more extensive treatment.
Switch to a quality senior food that provides enhanced levels of key nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene, plus gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid important to skin and coat health.
Ask your veterinarian to clean your dog's teeth regularly and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home.
Provide moderate exercise. This will help with weight control and keep muscles toned.
Talk with your veterinarian if your dog or cat tires easily or has trouble breathing.
Groom your senior pet at least once each week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites, bad breath, and ear discharge.
Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.
If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask your veterinarian about having this done to avoid tumors of the mammary or prostate glands.
