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Caring for Older Dogs
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Caring for Older Dogs
Older dogs have special needs that require attention
in order to provide them with health and happiness.
September 21, 2004
Everyone is getting older ... including our pets.
In the United States, it's estimated that more
than 18 million dogs and 22 million cats are considered
"senior citizens."
What's considered "old" for a pet? Generally,
a dog or cat older than seven years is considered
middle-aged because our pets age seven times faster
than we do. In other words, an eight-year-old
cat would be 56 years old in "people years."
That's why we might not easily notice our pet
is beginning to show the signs of growing older.
September is National Senior Pet Health Month,
a time when California veterinarians urge all
pet owners to be aware of the signs of aging.
Common ailments affecting older pets include arthritis,
cancer, diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, and
thyroid problems.
Unfortunately, our pets can't tell us if their
limbs are aching, their teeth are hurting, or
their appetite is waning because they just don't
feel well. That's why veterinarians strongly recommend
that "senior" pets get twice-a-year
checkups to detect any problems before they become
serious. Early detection is the easiest way to
treat canine or feline ailments and diseases.
"We all want our pets to be with us as long
as possible," said Jon Klingborg, DVM, president
of the California Veterinary Medical Association
(CVMA). "The good news is that advancements
in veterinary medicine allow us to detect medical
problems early and provide treatment so that our
pets can live longer, happier lives."
Pet owners now have access to medical procedures
for their animals that were once available only
to humans: hip replacements, pacemakers, organ
transplants, and chemotherapy. And there are more
veterinarians specializing in the areas of oncology,
ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, and other
specialties.
In addition to seeing a veterinarian for a twice-annual
"senior exam," there are other ways
to ease your aging pet's lifestyle:
· If your pet is arthritic, install a safety
gate across stairways to spare aching joints.
Also, elevate food and water bowls so your pet
doesn't have to bend down to eat or drink.
· Mop up any spills around feeding bowls
so pets won't slip and fall.
· Consider switching to "senior"
foods to ensure your pet receives balanced nutrition
without extra calories. (If your pet is on a specialty
diet, consult your veterinarian before making
a switch.)
· When brushing and grooming your senior
pet, check for lumps, sores, parasites, and ear
discharges.
· Keep up to date on your pet's vaccinations
since older pets may be more susceptible to disease.
· Provide routine dental care to avoid
gingivitis and loss of teeth.
· Pay attention to any indications of potential
medical conditions-weight loss, change in urination,
increased stiffness, trembling or shaking, sleep
pattern disruption, and changes in skin or haircoat.
You know your pet best. If you spot any signs
of pain or behavioral changes, contact your veterinarian
for advice.
For more information on caring for senior pets,
please contact Melissa Stallings at the CVMA at
(916) 649-0599.
The California Veterinary Medical Association
is the largest state veterinary medical association
in the United States, with more than 5,000 members.
Founded in 1888, its mission is to serve its membership
and community through innovative leadership and
to improve animal and human health in an ethically
and socially responsible manner.
For more tips and information on caring for your
dog, visit the CVMA website at: http://www.cvma.net
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