11/08/2024
November is National Senior Pet Month!
We know your pets are living longer, healthier, and happier lives than ever before with advances in veterinary medicine. While this is wonderful for the human-animal bond, it also means owners should be aware of normal aging changes.
What Age is Considered Senior?�The age at which a dog or cat is considered senior depends on the species and the breed. For instance, large and giant dog breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dog breeds. And cats can, on average, live longer than most dogs.�While every pet may age differently, here are some general guidelines to help you determine when your pet may be considered a senior:
* Cats: > 8-10 years of age
* Dogs > 50 pounds: > 6 years of age
* Dogs < 50 pounds: > 8 years of age
�As your pet gets older, their healthcare requirements will need to adapt to their new needs. Older pets may need to visit the vet more often than younger pets to check in on any chronic medical conditions, and to check for any new medical conditions that could arise. Senior pets are prone to developing health conditions, such as arthritis, that need to be managed and monitored to make sure they are receiving the proper pain control and accommodations to keep them comfortable.
Health Conditions Associated with Senior Pets�While, age is not a disease, there are certain health conditions that affect senior pets more often than younger ones. Many of these are chronic conditions that should not be ignored just because a pet is older.
Here are a few of the health conditions that are common in old age:
* Arthritis
* Cancer
* Lumps and Bumps
* Dental Disease
* Heart Disease
* Kidney & Liver Disease
* Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
* Neurologic Conditions
While some of these conditions can be easily treated, others will need lifelong management with a trusted veterinarian. It is important to not assume certain changes in your pet are just due to old age. Many of these conditions cause pain, urinary and stool accidents in the home, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, lethargy, and diarrhea.
We hope this was all helpful information and would be happy to see you and your seniors to make their golden years great.