Senior Pet Care

Senior Dogs

As your dog reaches their golden years, there are a number of joint or bone disorders that can result in discomfort and reduced mobility. Some of the most common joint and bone disorders in elderly pets include arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, reduction in spinal flexibility, and growth plate disorders.

Addressing these issues early is essential for keeping your dog comfortable as they continue to age. Treatment for joint and bone issues in senior dogs ranges from simply reducing levels of exercise, to the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, to surgery to remove diseased tissue, stabilize joints or reduce pain.

Senior Cats

While osteoarthritis is typically a condition we think of in older dogs, this painful condition can also affect your elderly cat's joints.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats are more subtle than those in dogs. While cats can experience a decrease in range of motion the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in older cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter box, and inability to jump on and off objects. Lameness typically seen in dogs is not commonly reported by cat owners.

The unfortunate reality is that a large number of pets develop cancer in their lifetime, especially when they get older. Bringing your senior pet in for routine checkups even when they seem healthy allows your veterinarian to examine your dog or cat for early signs of cancer. Earlier diagnosis typically results in better treatment outcomes.

Aging pets can experience heart disease just like we can.

Congestive heart failure is a common condition diagnosed in senior dogs.

Cats develop heart disease less often, but Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is still common enough that it should be tested for when cats get older.

Age-related degeneration in the eyes and ears can lead to varying degrees of deafness and blindness in older pets, particularly dogs.

These conditions often come on slowly, allowing senior pets to adjust their behaviour and making it difficult for pet owners to notice.

Liver disease is common in elderly cats and may be the result of high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of liver disease in cats include loss of appetite, jaundice, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

In dogs, symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss can be a sign of liver disease.

Although dogs and cats can develop diabetes at any age, most are diagnosed as they pass middle age.

Symptoms of diabetes in pets include excessive thirst, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections.

Kidney function tends to decline as pets age. That said, in some cases, medications used to treat other conditions in older pets can lead to kidney problems.

While chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can often be managed with a prescription diet and medications.

Elderly pets can be prone to accidents as the muscles controlling the bladder begin to weaken, but incontinence can be a sign of a bigger health issue such as a urinary tract infection or dementia and should never be ignored.