Caring for Your Older Pet:

We all value the affection we share with our pets. Nothing helps that friendship last more than working with your veterinarian to maintain your pet's health and quality of life. As your pet ages, changes occur in their physical condition that warrants veterinary care in addition to the annual check-up. You will want to develop a complete geriatric health maintenance program with your veterinarian to provide optimal care for your older pet.

At what age is my pet considered "old"?

The aging process varies with breed and lifestyle. Your veterinarian will follow these guidelines to help determine when your pet reaches the "golden years."

How do I help my pet when they're overweight?

Older pets are apt to gain weight as the body's metabolism and the pet's activity level slow down; therefore, food consumption must be balanced with the activity level of the pet. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate exercise and a proper diet to meet your pet's needs.

How often should I exercise my pet?

Regular exercise is important to maintain bone strength, muscle tone, and stamina. Taking daily walks and playing with your pet are excellent methods of promoting physical activity as well as enjoying their companionship. However, if your pet has difficulty standing up or walking, a degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, may be the problem. Arthritis is a common ailment, especially in older dogs, often impairing the ability to stand or walk. There are many treatment options available for these conditions, so schedule an appointment to discuss your pet's specific needs.

How important is dental care even though my pet is old?

Very important! Tooth loss and gum diseases are more common as your pet gets older. Such problems may make eating painful for your pet. Tumors of the mouth and gums also are more likely to appear in an older pet. Your veterinarian will perform dental exams and cleanings as determined by the condition of your pet's teeth and will educate you on home dental care.

Should I groom my pet more often?

Weekly grooming is an ideal time to look for external parasites, as well as notice the general condition of the skin and especially the eyes, ears, mouth, paws, anus, and genitalia. Because your pet is getting older, it is important to know that skin problems may occur more often since the skin may be thinner, less elastic, and does not repair itself as quickly. If it seems that your pet is losing more hair, it may be due to disease or because hair follicles are not as active as in the younger years. Tumors in and under the skin become more likely. If you happen to notice any abnormal odors, discharges, swellings, or lumps during grooming, report them immediately to your veterinarian.

What other changes might I expect in my pet?

As your dog ages a number of degenerative changes may occur that can affect your pet's behavior. Hearing and vision may appear to deteriorate. This decrease may be due to specific diseases involving the eyes or ears or may be related to various behavioral changes. You might interpret this as simple aging, but it actually might be due to a treatable geriatric disease, such as cognitive dysfunction. Some typical signs include confusion, disorientation, decreased activity, and changes in the sleep/wake cycle, loss of housetraining, or signs which suggest a decrease in your dog's interest in, or ability to interact with its environment or with you. You will want to contact your veterinarian on how to diagnose and manage your pet's particular problems.

You also should be aware of any unusual changes in activity level and attitude, appetite, water intake, urination, bowel movements, or body weight. These and other signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing, should be promptly reported to your veterinarian.

How does a Senior Work-Up exam differ from my pet's usual exam?

A Senior Work-Up exam is more extensive than a simple check-up. Your veterinarian will conduct a standard physical examination as well as oral and rectal examinations at least annually.

Along with these standard exams, your veterinarian will also examine your pet's ears, eyes, and thyroid glands. Some laboratory work will be done, including a complete blood count and a urinalysis; however, endocrine and other laboratory tests may be done if your veterinarian feels that it's necessary. It is important to establish a baseline of normal values for your pet in order to readily identify changes.

Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, regular senior check-ups are important to manage many of the changes associated with aging. Dogs and cats over seven years of age should be examined by a veterinarian at least annually.

A complete Senior Pet Work-Up can provide a means to target age-related health problems, institute preventive health care measures, and detect any disorders early enough to provide the appropriate medical attention. This type of work-up also educates you, the pet owner, on health risks to your older pet and preventive steps.

All of these components as well as following your veterinarian's recommendations for exercise, administration of any medication, and a proper diet are essential to the health and quality of life of your older pet.

For further information, please see our Senior Pet Work Up page!