Health Screenings for Senior Dogs & Cats
Older pets have special health needs and may require more attention and care than younger pets. As your pet ages, changes occur in his physical condition that warrant more frequent visits to the veterinarian. If medical problems are recognized and treated when they are first detected, the treatment may be easier for your pet and less costly for you. In order to diagnose medical problems in their early stage, twice-a-year wellness examinations are recommended for older dogs and cats.
A baseline senior wellness examination should be performed so it can be used as a benchmark for measuring changes in your pet as he ages. A geriatric exam is more extensive than a simple check-up and includes a complete physical exam, oral and rectal examinations and recording of body weight and body condition. Your veterinarian also examines your pet's ears, eyes, and various internal organs. Some laboratory work may be done, including a complete blood count, urinalysis, fecal exam, and perhaps endocrine blood tests and other complementary examinations.
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Wellness Testing for Pets Over 7
At Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital, we recommend all pets over 7 years of age have a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile and T4 (thyroid hormone screening) performed annually at the time of their yearly physical examination. This is the cornerstone of preventative medicine and is intended to uncover occult or "hidden" problems before they manifest. Organs like the kidneys will not show signs of dysfunction until approximately 75% of their mass is not working. Therefore, in pets we must rely, in part, on testing to alert us to the presence of many disease processes.
When Should I Consider My Pet to Be a Senior?
The aging process varies between species and specific breeds as well as individual animals. For example, a giant breed dog might be a senior at five years of age and a toy breed not until years later. Most cats become seniors slightly later than dogs, between their eight and tenth year. As an arbitrary guide, owners should start to consider age-related issues at 6-8 years in dogs, and 10 years in cats.
Elderly Pets And Special Health Needs
As dogs and cats grow older, their organs may become less efficient and they may be less able to resist infections and other diseases. As a responsible pet owner, you want your pet to remain healthy and active for as long as possible so you should be aware of any condition that might need your veterinarian's attention.
Dietary Needs of Elderly Pets
There are several reasons why a special diet may be needed for an elderly pet. He or she may be less active than a younger animal, and therefore may require fewer calories. The digestive organs may become less efficient in digestion and absorption, and a highly digestible diet may need to be fed. Phosphorus and protein content may need to be decreased if your pet has kidney problems.
Caring for the Health of Elderly Pets
Your senior pet should be examined by a veterinarian every six months. During this examination, changes in your pet's appearance and behavior are noted. If your pet refuses food, is reluctant to go outside, is in pain or has a problem urinating or defecating, these problems should be addressed. There are also a number of specific health problems that you should watch for with an elderly dog or cat.
As your pet gets older, joint pain and stiffness may develop. This may mean that your pet becomes less active and his energy level may decrease. He may become tired more easily and want to nap more often. Dogs with arthritis should still be exercised; however, they may need a diet containing fewer calories to prevent them from putting on weight. Older pets are more susceptible to diseases of the heart and lungs. Signs such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and weakness can be symptoms associated with heart and lung problems. If these symptoms are present, a veterinary examination is strongly recommended.
Ear infections are not uncommon, especially in older dogs. Signs of an ear infection include persistent head shaking, rubbing / pawing of the ears and observing a discharge from one or both ears.
Hearing, sight and smell can all become less acute with age and you may need to make allowances for these changes. For instance, your dog may not obey you or may not respond to his name simply because he does not hear the command. Watch for signs of impaired sight such as bumping into furniture. Eye infections, cataracts, decreased night vision, or even blindness can also occur. A hazy, bluish cast on your aging dog's eyes is normal and usually does not hinder his vision. However, your veterinarian can help you distinguish the difference between the normal aging process and the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts that can lead to blindness.
Older pets are more likely to develop tooth and gum conditions. If your pet has sore gums or loose teeth, he may be reluctant to eat or it may cause food to drop out of his mouth. Gum disease not only leads to loss of teeth, but can also cause heart and kidney infections if bacteria enter the bloodstream through the inflamed gums. Examine your pet's mouth regularly and ask your veterinarian for advice if the teeth or gums do not look healthy.
Urinary incontinence and inappropriate urination are problems that frequently occur in elderly pets. Urinary incontinence is often associated with hormonal imbalance in spayed females or a disorder of the nervous system that controls bladder function. Aside from these conditions, inappropriate urination may also be the result of a urinary tract disorder, prostate problem or other body malfunction. Consult your veterinarian if your pet suddenly becomes incontinent or begins to urinate more frequently.
As your pet ages, his behavior may change significantly. You might interpret this as simple aging, but it actually might be due to a treatable geriatric disease, such as cognitive dysfunction. Some typical signs include confusion, disorientation, decreased activity, changes in the sleep / wake cycle, loss of housetraining, or signs which suggest a decrease in your dog's interest in, or ability to interact with his environment or with you. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication for cognitive dysfunction.
Don't Mistake Signs of Illness With Signs of Aging.
Signs of Illness include:
- Increased water consumption
- Increased urine production
- Changes in appetite
- Behavior changes (more or less sleep than usual, crying out, irritation, and lethargy)
- Constipation
- House training failure in a previously trained pet
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Marked increase or decrease in weight
- Bad breath
- Open sores or lumps / bumps anywhere on the body
Be a Good Friend to Your Older Pet
The way you care for your pet as he or she matures can help control some of the health problems associated with advancing years. Here are some tips to keep in mind in caring for your older pet.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, regular geriatric check-ups are important to manage many of the changes associated with aging. Dogs and cats over seven years of age should be examined by a veterinarian twice a year.
A complete geriatric health maintenance program can provide a means to target age-related health problems, institute preventive health care measures, and detect any disorders early enough to provide the appropriate medical attention. This program also educates you, the pet owner, on health risks to your older pet and provides information about preventive procedures for maintaining a healthy pet.
All of these components as well as following your veterinarian's recommendations for exercise, administration of any medication, and a proper diet are essential to the health and quality of life of your older pet.