Take special care of that older pet

     In recent years, dogs and cats have taken over our homes. Once working animals, they have retired to the safer pastime of keeping us company. As a result, they are living a lot longer. This increased life span has brought on a whole new set of problems in our pets. With age, many pets begin having problems with loss of hearing, poor vision, arthritis, tooth loss, incontinence and decreased tolerance of  change.  Sounds like us, doesn’t it? Seeing aging changes in their pets is painful for many pet owners, and many pets find their lives unnaturally shortened because their owners cannot bear to watch them grow old. But, with some understanding and a little effort from their families, these four-legged senior citizens can live quite comfortably and with dignity. Deaf pets can learn to respond to visual cues-  owners can use hand movements, turn lights on and off, even stomp on the floor to get a pet’s attention. Blind pets do quite well when the owners stop rearranging the furniture all the time! Older pets generally appreciate a quiet home, with a strict routine. They do better if the house is not full of visiting relatives, or if the owner’s bagpipe band practices at someone else’s house (come to think of it, so would I)!

     It is very important to your pet’s health that his teeth be kept healthy. This is true throughout the pet’s life;  but a pet’s need for regular dental cleanings does not end with old age. Many owners are afraid to have their older pets anesthetized for dental cleanings. With the safer anesthetics  used today, there is very little reason for concern.

     Many dogs and cats develop arthritis as they get older. Any person with arthritis can tell you how painful this condition is! There is no reason for a pet to suffer this kind of pain. There are many wonderful treatments available for arthritis in animals. A word of caution, however. Never give your pet any medicine without first checking with your veterinarian. Many of the pain relievers used in people are harmful, even deadly, to dogs and cats.

     Senior dogs and cats are also more likely to develop some diseases. Thyroid problems, kidney failure, diabetes, heart and lung diseases and hormonal disturbances occur. Both dogs and cats are affected by various types of cancer. The earlier a disease can be recognized, the more likely it will respond well to treatment. The signs of many of these diseases are subtle, but an observant owner can recognize them.  Increases or decreases in thirst and appetite are common symptoms. Changes in a pet’s weight are often seen, either gain or loss. Owners should be alerted by changes in hair coat, including loss of hair, change in texture of hair, or a dirty, oily coat in a cat that stops grooming.  Also be alert for any changes in a pet’s routines. Sleeping in strange places; new  or strange behaviors; sleeping more or less than usual; loss of housetraining in dogs or litter box habits in cats are all signs that a pet may be in trouble.  Any changes in a pet’s appearance or behavior should be brought to the veterinarian’s attention. The rewards of your increased vigilance may be many more years of life for your pet. 

    

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