The aging of your pet is a natural process and is inevitable. As cats and dogs grow older, their bodies undergo significant changes and their need for care and attention increases. Cats and dogs are both considered senior when they reach an approximate age of 7 years. Many diseases associated with advanced age can be prevented or successfully treated.
Some common health problems found in senior pets include:
Although some age related diseases in your pet cannot be treated, the onset of many can be delayed or treated successfully if they are detected early.
Diet
The correct diet can greatly enhance the senior pet?s quality and length of life. A specially formulated diet for the senior pet, with reduced levels of potentially harmful nutrients such as protein, sodium, phosphorous and fat, will help prevent and delay such problems as obesity, kidney and heart disease.
Exercise
Encourage regular moderate exercise as this is important to maintain muscle tone and improve circulation.
Obesity
Pets become less active and require fewer calories as they age. Overweight dogs do not live as long as they otherwise would. Being overweight puts strain on the heart, lungs and joints. If your pet is already overweight, arrange with your Veterinarian to help with a weight reduction program.
Kidney Disease
This is a very common disease in senior cats and dogs. Signs of kidney disease do not normally become apparent until ? of the kidneys are no longer functioning. Signs of kidney disease include thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and lethargy. Urine tests may be performed by your Veterinarian to determine how efficiently the kidneys are working.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is any destructive process within the heart. Early diagnosis allows more effective treatment and helps minimize your pet?s distress. Warning signs include coughing, exercise intolerance, fluid retention and lethargy.
Dental Disease
Dental disease is common in senior pets due to build up of plaque and tartar over the years. Lack of understanding of the importance of teeth and gum care can lead to gum disease, dental decay and bad breath. Your Veterinarian will be able to advise whether or not dental work may be required to remove severely decayed teeth or clean teeth with excessive tartar.
Cancer
Due to increasing preventative nutrition and medicines, our pets are living longer, which may increase the likelihood of cancer. There are now many different cancer treatments available including drug therapy, chemotherapy and / or a new cancer diet to help support the patient as they undergo treatment. Once again, early detection of cancer will help with a more positive prognosis.
To help prevent disease and keep your pet comfortable as it ages, make sure your pet receives optimum nutrition for its age and condition. Specially formulated diets such as Hill?s Science Diet Senior for aged dogs and cats are recommended for your aged pets. Diets like Hill?s Science Diet Senior are specifically formulated for older pets to help prevent and delay diseases associated with aging.
Proper Veterinary care is always important and regular check ups, every 6 months, are recommended to ensure early detection of disease. There are many diagnostic tests available from your Veterinarian and these include Urine Analysis, Radiographs (X Rays), Ultrasound, Blood testing and ECGs. These tests aid in early diagnosis of disease and thus allow prompt treatment. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
We can help prevent and delay disease in the older pet with proper nutrition and regular senior health checks. This will allow you to protect your pet from unnecessary discomfort and keep him happy and healthy for a long as possible.
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