Care for Senior Pets

Senior Dogs

A number of joint or bone disorders can result in pain and discomfort. Some of the most common joint and bone disorders in older dogs 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 senior cat's joints.

The signs 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 cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter pan, and inability to jump on and off objects. Cats can also experience a decrease in range of motion.

Unfortunately, many cats and dogs develop cancer at some point in their life, and it is more common as they get older. Bringing your pet in for regular wellness exams even if they seem healthy allows your veterinarian to check for early warning signs of cancer. Earlier diagnosis typically results in better treatment outcomes.

Many senior pets can experience heart disease, with congestive heart failure being a common condition in senior dogs.

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

As pets get older, particularly dogs, they can experience deafness or blindness as their eyes and ears begin to degenerate.

Unfortunately, these conditions can be difficult for pet parents to notice as they come on slowly, and pets are able to adjust their behaviour as their senses deteriorate.

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 signs of liver disease.

Although dogs and cats can develop diabetes at any age, most are diagnosed as they move into their senior years.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats 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 senior 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. While it may be common, incontinence can be a sign of a bigger health issue such as a urinary tract infection or dementia, so it should never be dismissed as 'old age'.