As we get older, we are regularly reminded of the golden rules for living a longer and a healthier life in our golden years. This includes regular health checks, moderate exercise and a balanced diet. This is exactly the same for our pets. Once our pets enter old age it is even more important to have regular routine health checks (every 6-12 months), so that age related diseases are identified as early as possible. These can be identified by a Senior Pet Screen (Blood Test) that is also recommended annually. We can tailor a Individual Personalised Senior Pet Program for your dog to make sure that they live their best life in their senior years, by monitoring the below age related conditions.
Age Related Diseases:
Although not a specific disease on its own, old age in dogs is associated with an increase in the frequency of a number of conditions such as:
Tumors (neoplasia)
Dogs are subject to a wide range of tumors that are classified as either Benign (may enlarge with time but are not locally destructive and do not spread) or Malignant (potential to cause significant local destruction of tissues and may spread to other parts of the body, cancerous).
Heart Disease
Older dogs sometimes develop heart murmurs, usually cause by wear and distortion of the valves within the heart. Only a proportion of these will be clinically significant, causing coughing, breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance and lethargy. There are many different treatment options to help alleviate the symptoms of heart disease.
Kidney and Liver Failure
Degeneration of the internal organs is an inevitable part of the aging process. Though there are a number of signs specific diagnosis is only possible through further investigation such as blood tests, urinalysis, radiography and ultrasonography.
Hormonal (Endocrine) Disease
This may include: diabetes mellitus (due to inadequate production of insulin), Cushings Syndrome (due to excessive secretion of cortisone), Hypothyroidism (due to inadequate production of thyroxine).
Behavioural Changes
In elderly dogs senile deterioration is a common concern to owners. Changes in temperament, loss of house training, restlessness, confusion separation anxiety, eyesight and hearing deterioration.
Dental Disease
Plaque and tartar build up on the teeth with age, which can lead to gum disease and loosening teeth. Regular brushing, dental diets, chew toys and treats and possibly Veterinary Dental Scale and polish under anaesthetic can assist with this.
Skin Disease
Though this is common in all age’s skin conditions increase in prevalence in older
Obesity
This is especially common in older dogs as activity levels inevitably decline but your dogs appetite may not. It is important to control the elderly dogs body weight to help reduce the risk of disease associated with increased weight and age.
Arthritis:
A degenerative joint disease often seen as stiffness or lameness in the limb especially after rest, caused by normal or abnormal wear and tear within a joint. Although not curable a number of treatments are available to effectively slow the progression and help give your dog some relief. Early management is the key-without it, your pet will continue to lose cartilage resulting in progression of the condition.
Medications: An effective way we can help our dogs suffering from arthritis is by giving Synovan injections. Synovan is a Concentrated anti-inflammatory and stimulant of cartilage synthesis, repair and protection for treating joint disease in dogs. It is a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug to help slow the progression of arthritis by relieving pain and lameness therefore dramatically increasing the range of pain-free movement by treating the underlying disease process and not just the symptoms.
Supplements can also be given to aid in providing comfort and slowing the arthritic changes to your pet. 4CYTE is a revolutionary daily joint treatment for Dogs. The active ingredient EPIITALIS is scientifically proven to repair the damaged joints affected by age, injury and arthritis. It has unique cartilage repair and pain relief properties and has been shown in research to:
- Stimulate healthy cartilage production
- Repair damaged joints
- Suppress anti-inflammatory chemicals responsible for poor joint function and pain
Diet:
Our Seniors pets generally need lower-calorie diets to help prevent obesity (which can be a huge problem in seniors) and higher-fiber diets to improve gastrointestinal health. As they age and slow down, so too does their metabolism. Their diet needs to have reduced salt and phosphorous content and the correct level of proteins and other nutrients. Most companies out there have a “Senior pet” diet available. So choose a brand that you trust that provides a “complete balanced diet” and stick to the feeding guidelines. We can discuss what diet would be individually best suited to your dog.
How Can I Keep My Dog Comfortable in Their Senior Years?
Regular checkups and communication with your vet will ensure that you are doing all that you can medically to help your pet enjoy the senior years. To help your pet at home, here are some pointers:
- Provide a comfortable clean bed (slightly raised off the ground and heated for the arthritic pet. There are many “orthopedic” beds available now at pet supply stores to ensure comfortable rest.
- Provide fresh water daily (note changes in water consumption) and a healthy, age-appropriate diet.
- Don’t expect too much from your senior dog – s/he may want to run and play Frisbee like the “good old times”, but go slow, heat, arthritis, age-related muscle atrophy, and other age-related effects can take their toll.