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Your pet is getting older, but the care you give throughout its lifetime can minimize and prevent disease as he or she ages. Proper care includes periodic checkups, routine vaccinations, parasite control, dental examinations, regular exercise, and a good diet. As pets age, two types of changes occur: age related changes and pathological changes. Age related changes, such as vision and hearing loss, are normal, and develop in most animals. These changes cannot be prevented, but we can help you and your pet to adapt to these changes. Many pathological changes or diseases can, on the other hand, be prevented or successfully treated. With good care to promote health and prevent disease in geriatric pets, your pet can remain healthy and active well into its twilight years. Your veterinarian can help you to determine what foods, medications and procedures will improve the length and quality of your pet’s life. Your help is needed to carry out any treatment recommended. One of the most important keys to helping your dog or cat live longer is meeting his or her dietary needs. Obesity and weight loss are both common in older animals. Kidney, liver or heart problems may change a pet’s requirements for sodium, phosphorus, protein and fat. Changes in activity levels and muscle mass are common in older animals, as are changes in their ability to digest and utilize nutrients. Your veterinarian can help you determine the type of food that’s best for your aging pet. Because of advances in medicine, and proper preventative care, pets, as well as people, are living longer, healthier lives. Blood tests, EKGs, fecal exams, X-rays and urinalysis are all performed frequently on geriatric animals. This is because many common problems of this growing population of senior citizen pets, such as kidney and heart disease, can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Regular examinations and follow up care by your veterinarian will help insure that your pet continues to be your loving companion in the years to come. General signs of illness you may be able to detect at home are: Gradual weight loss (so gradual you may not even notice at first) Dull hair coat, disinterest in grooming Dull eyes, sunken eyes Vomiting and/or diarrhea (especially if chronic) Anorexia or innapetence, getting finicky Lethargy, sleeping more than usual Should the difficult decision come to euthanize your pet, please refer to the following brochure, with important information on this matter. This is never an easy decision, but is necessary in some cases to prevent long-term suffering in cases in which treatment cannot be pursued.
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