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. One is 11 and one is 12, it can be 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 usual 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 “ok” 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 aging, however bad breath is due to bacterial and tartar built 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, a thorough examination and nutritional consult to ensure your senior pet it as healthy as possible.
