Pet-ucation

Did you know that cats are considered to be senior at 11 years of age and dogs become senior at 7 to 10 years of age? Dogs and cats age five to seven times faster than people do, so health-related changes can occur quickly. Because pets can be very good at hiding signs of illness, they may seem to become suddenly ill when they can no longer hide their symptoms.

The good news is that you can greatly improve your senior pet’s quality of life and longevity by watching for signs of age-related health problems and bringing your pet in for regular senior wellness exams. The following five age-related problems are good reasons that your senior pet needs regular wellness exams:

Age-related problem Signs to watch for Arthritis Stiffness, limping, or trouble getting up, laying down, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping Kidney disease Weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, frequent drinking and urinating, tiredness Diabetes Weight loss, vomiting, frequent drinking and urinating, urinary “accidents,” tiredness Dental problems Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, plaque on the teeth, eating slowly Behavioral problems Uncharacteristic aggression, vocalization, disorientation

If your pet shows any of the above signs, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Even if your senior pet seems to be healthy, most veterinarians now recommend a complete physical examination every 6 months, along with routine testing once a year, to help detect diseases and conditions early, when they are easier to treat.

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