11/16/2023
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.�While, age is not a disease, there are certain health conditions that affect our 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 and frequent follow-ups with your veterinarian. �Considering all of the health conditions listed above that could affect our senior pets, it may seem overwhelming to think about taking are of an elderly pet. However, there many things available these days to help you, your family, and your senior pet adjust to this new lifestyle.
Dogs:
* Non-slick walking surfaces – Senior dogs suffering from arthritis greatly benefit from making sure the floors in the home are not slippery. If you have carpet- wonderful! If you have hardwood floors or any other type of slick surface, try to lay down as many rugs as you can so your dog always has a non-slick surface to step on.
* Easily accessible food and water – Make sure their water and food bowls are easily accessible for them and close enough to wherever they like to rest during the day so they can easily get to them. Even more importantly, make sure your dog does not have to cross a slippery surface to get to them. You could even lift them up higher on a platform for less strain on the neck and spine.
* Potty pads –Take your dog out for potty breaks as often as you can. If your senior dog has developed issues with incontinence, try to provide them with potty pads around the home, or at least on their bedding so that if they have some leakage or an accident, they are kept dry. This can also help you by giving them designated places in the home where they are allowed to potty if they can’t make it outside in time.
* Ramps – Evaluate your home for where stairs are and how many stairs your dog has to go up or down to be with you, or even just to go outside to use the potty. It is often necessary to put non-slip ramps over or beside stairs that may be in the way of your dog being able to go outside easily or get from one room to another in the house.
* New expectations –You’ll also have to take into consideration if your dog that once ran upstairs to sleep with you at night can no longer make it up the stairs—do you sleep downstairs on the couch with them now? Or do you train them to get used to sleeping downstairs by themselves? Provide them with large, comfortable bedding. Orthopedic dog beds work great for this. Or you can carry them up and down if you’re capable, keeping their spine straight especially during transfer.
* Special harnesses – There are special harnesses available to help maneuver dogs who are big and have a difficult time getting around. The Help-em-up harness is a great option, especially for very large dogs with arthritis or neurological issues.
* Also, make sure to keep them clean and dry. If your dog has incontinence or accidents in the house, you will need to wash around their bottom daily to make sure they do not get urine scald or an infection.
* Pay attention to your dog’s toe nails. Since your dog isn’t out walking around as much, it is common for their toe nails to grow very long, and even curl around into their paw pads. You will need to cut them more often, or have a groomer cut them for you.
Cats:
* Since senior cats are more subtle than dogs in showing any signs of arthritis or aging, you will need to be more proactive in making accommodations for them.
* Litter boxes – Offer them wider, more shallow litter boxes so it isn’t so difficult for them to get in and out of them. Alternatively, you can use a litter box with a small ramp.
* Accessible food and water –Try to keep their food and water in an easily accessible location and make sure to have fresh water available at all times.
* Accommodations for getting to high places – Cats love to climb up things and be in safe, elevated resting spaces. Even though older cats aren’t quite as able to jump like they used to, they still love to sit in high places. Try to have ramps, low steps, or other options available for your cat to be able to still get to high places without having to jump on or off of them.
* Grooming – Older cats have a more difficult time grooming themselves, especially on their back and near the base of their tail. This can cause their fur to become matted and get in tight tangles on their skin.Try to brush your senior cat every day. Find a gentle brush with soft bristles and only do what your cat will tolerate. If you notice they are starting to get matted fur and can’t get them out on your own, you may need to schedule a grooming appointment so the matted fur can safely be removed.
* Clip your cats toe nails regularly. Older cats’ claws tend to grow thick, curl around, and can grow into their paw pads. This can lead to pain and infection. If you have trouble clipping their toe nails, you will need to set up regular appointments at the vet clinic.
