Many pet owners worry about their beloved furry family members as they age. Why is my pet slowing down? Is she in pain? Can she still have anesthesia? Is that medication safe for her?
The most important thing to remember is that age itself is not a disease. Animals and people are more prone to developing chronic disease as they age, and it’s important to work with your veterinarian to be sure your pet is healthy or to address potential underlying problems. This will allow early intervention and appropriate management, which can help preserve your pet’s quality and often quantity of life.
In dogs as in people, preventative medicine should be the goal; however, there are a variety of ailments that affect our geriatric pets. Many of them are treatable, which is why regular check-ups are important.
Here are some areas of concern with aging pets:
Dental care is an expanding field in veterinary medicine. As in other aspects of health, preventative care is best.Many dogs are diagnosed with dental disease late in life and it can significantly impact quality of life in addition to other body systems. For many pets, dental cleaning is safe and may provide significant health benefits. Speak with your veterinarian about whether or not a dental cleaning is appropriate and safe for your pet, and discuss any concerns you may have about anesthesia. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is beneficial to overall health and many owners have commented on how much better their pets seem to feel once their teeth are cleaned (even if they seemed okay beforehand).
Joint disease, including arthritis, is very common in older dogs, though many people think their pets are “just slowing down.” Your dog may have trouble getting up from a lying position, maneuvering stairs, or walking on smooth floors. Think of your own orthopedic pain and what a difference appropriate management can do to help ease that discomfort. While it’s true that older pets are a little slower, this may be due in large part to joint pain. This is a problem we can significantly improve through appropriate exercise, diet, and medication. Not all geriatric patients can receive anti-inflammatory medications, so never use over-the-counter medications to treat pain without consulting your veterinarian.
Obesity is a common problem in all ages of dogs. In senior citizens, it can be particularly problematic as it adds further strain to existing joint disease. Weight loss takes pressure off the joints and can help with signs of osteoarthritis. There are many programs that can help your pet successfully lose weight, in addition to controlled, regular exercise. If your dog is carrying too many pounds, ask your veterinarian about these options.
Many owners remark that their geriatric pets “seem confused” or are becoming more irritable. Older dogs can suffer from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, a decline in their senses and cognition, likened to dementia in humans. Staring into space or into corners, or “forgetting” learned behaviors (such as potty training), can signify changes in your pet’s brain function. It is very important to rule out any underlying processes that are contributing to the problem. Your veterinarian can help determine if your pet is experiencing this common geriatric ailment and discuss treatment options with you. There are medications available that can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
As dogs age, most of them become “lumpy and bumpy.” Unfortunately, there is no way to determine whether small tumors that crop up are benign or cancerous without further testing, including needle aspiration. It’s important to keep track of size, location, and any changes that occur. This can help your veterinarian determine the best course of action.
To maintain your aging pet’s health, get routine wellness checks that include a physical examination and blood work so your veterinarian can make specific recommendations. Remember that early detection of certain ailments can often make a big difference. Follow these recommendations and your canine companion can enjoy good quality of life throughout his or her “golden years.”
Dr. Elizabeth Orcutt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine at VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Hospital in San Leandro (www.bayvetspecialists.com), where she and Dr. Michael Mazzei offer internal medicine services six days a week. Dr. Orcutt moved to San Francisco from Saint Paul, Minnesota with her boyfriend Kevin and cat named Ashe.
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