Changes in Your Senior Pets

While in a meeting discussing senior patients it slipped my mind that I even had senior pets. When asked I said no, and then thinking back I realized I actually do, I have 2 senior cats, they are both 12, brothers. It is easy to forget we have senior pets.  Senior, as a definition, varies depending on feline or canine and on the size of the canine. As a rule, cats aged 8-10 are heading into their senior years, small-medium dogs 7-9 years and large dogs 6-8 years are heading into their senior years.

In their early senior years you may not notice any difference, then subtle differences and as they head into their geriatric years the symptoms are usually obvious.

It is important to pay attention to any changes and learn what these changed mean.

  • “Slowing Down”
    • As pets age so do their joints. It can be hard for them to maintain their normal activities and we must learn our pet’s limits.
  • Sore/Stiff After Waking Up
    • It is not “okay” to dismiss this as “my pet is just getting old”. They are doing this because they are in pain, and may require supplements or medications to help ease this pain.
  • Bad Breath
    • Some people think their pet’s bad breath is normal due to ageing, however bad breath is due to bacterial and tartar build-up in your pet’s mouth. A professional dental cleaning to remove the tartar and bacteria is warranted and possible extractions of diseased teeth may be necessary.

There are many changes our pets are going through, we just need to be there to help them age as comfortably and gracefully as possible.

It is important to bring your pet to the Veterinarian for senior blood work and a thorough examination to ensure your senior pet it as healthy as possible.

Until December 15th North Hill Animal Hospital is offering discounts on senior profiles, as well as free nutritional consults when visiting one of our Veterinarians.

Written By: North Hill Animal Hospital