Pets are living to be much longer than they ever have before. This is largely due to better education and compliance among owners, better veterinary care, and better nutrition. However, with advancing age comes new sets of problems. Fortunately, there are lots of ways that you can help your senior pet live longer and with a better quality of life with the help of your veterinarian.
Being aware of how your pet ages will help you be better prepared for the care that will be needed to help keep them healthy and happy. Pets age at different rates depending on size and species. Cats over the age of 8, small dogs over the age of 8 and large dogs over the age of 6 should be screened with thorough physical examinations and blood work. Regular consultations with your veterinarian will help you understand what tests are recommended and why, and the types of illnesses they are screening for.
Because illness occurs more frequently with advancing age, and because pets age much faster than humans, elderly dogs and cats benefit from more frequent visits to the veterinarian. Many diseases seen with increasing frequency as a pet ages are often preventable or treatable if found early enough. Diseases that often affect our older friends include arthritis, dental disease, heart disease, liver value elevations, kidney insufficiency, cancer, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Your veterinarian can diagnose and then discuss treatment options for such illnesses, ranging from medications to diet changes.
In addition to screening for illness, your veterinarian can address other issues that can help keep your pet healthier as they age. Vaccination protocols for your pet may change with age. Supplements and diets can be altered to help keep your pet an ideal weight, which has been shown to significantly increase healthy life-span. Exercise regimens for aging or arthritic pets are also important to promote healthy joints, maintain muscle mass and keep your pet lean.
The most important reason pets are living longer now is because they are treated more like important family members. As such, they are getting better quality care from owners who want the best for them. As veterinarians it is our responsibility not only to try to prevent and treat diseases, but also to educate owners so that we can give them a long healthy relationship with their pet. If you have not had your pet in lately for a check up, or have not had any routine bloodwork performed on your aging pet, consider scheduling an appointment today. Also consider coming with a list of questions so you can get the most out of your visit!
Tami Hinderager, DVM
