What you need to know to successfully live with your Senior Pet

Transcription

1 What you need to know to successfully live with your Senior Pet Basic information for owners A Publication of Sykesville Veterinary Clinic

2 Table of Contents SENIOR DOG CARE THESE SENIOR DOG CARE TIPS WILL HELP YOU IDENTIFY ILLNESS HOW BLOODWORK BENEFITS YOUR SENIOR THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOODWORK FOR THE ELDERLY CAT OR DOG WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OLD DOG SKIN PROBLEMS SENIOR DOG CARE INCLUDES KEEPING AN OLDER DOG ACTIVE 7 REASONS ADOPTING A SENIOR DOG OR CAT MAY BE A BETTER CHOICE FOR YOU WHY YOU SHOULD OPEN YOUR HOME TO A SENIOR PET

3 REGULAR SENIOR DOG CARE IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR PET S OVER ALL WELL-BEING

4 Senior Dog Care Preventative care helps ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life. It is important to take your senior pet to the vet twice a year so you can make sure your dog is in good shape. Diseases and infections can usually be caught early and the older your pet gets the more they are prone to getting sick. It is important to make sure that you talk with your vet about senior dog care; they can help you to be aware of any breed specific problems that might come up in the future.

5 THESE SENIOR DOG CARE TIPS WILL HELP IDENTIFY ILLNESS Pet owners can benefit by senior dog care tips that will help them recognize illnesses in their pets so that problems can be treated right away. Like humans, dogs experience a gradual decline in health with age, and are more prone to sickness and general health problems as they become older. It s important to recognize signs and symptoms before it s too late for successful treatment, and to ensure that your beloved pet s last years are happy and pain free.

6 At What Age Does a Dog Become a Senior? A quick way to calculate your dog s age in human terms is to multiply their current number of years old by seven, and assume one human year is equal to seven dog years. However, the age calculation actually differs depending on the breed, which means dogs become seniors at different ages. For example, large breeds like Great Danes enter their senior years at age six or seven years, while smaller breeds like poodles are not considered elderly until they reach 12 or 13 years. It s a good idea to consult your vet in order to find out your dog s actual age so that you can be more alert for symptoms of problems that are more likely to occur as they enter their senior years.

7 Watch for these Common Diseases in Senior Dogs Here s a rundown of the most common diseases that affect older dogs, their signs and their symptoms. Remember that many of these problems can affect younger dogs, too, and it is always wise to take your pet to the vet if your dog seems to be experiencing difficulties. Sometimes the problem causing your pet a lot of distress can be remedied very easily. 1.Cancer The signs and symptoms are abnormal swelling or growths, sores that take a long time to heal, unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, bloody discharge, offensive odor, lethargy and physical weakness, difficulty using bowel movements or difficulty in breathing. 2.Dental Disease Dental problems are indicated by bad breath, difficulty swallowing or eating and weight loss. 3.Arthritis Signs of arthritis are difficulty standing up or climbing steps, behavioral changes and loss of muscle. 4.Kidney Disease/Renal Failure Symptoms of kidney problems are excessive urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness and pale gums. 5.Diarrhea This problem is suspected when there are watery stools, blood in the stool, vomit with blood, bad breath and oral ulcers. 6.Prostate Disease The usual signs are soiling inside the house, dribbling urine and blood in the urine. 7.Cataracts Watch for cloudy eyes, clumsiness where there shouldn t be and the inability to retrieve objects.

8 8.Hypothyroidism Suspect this problem if there is an unexplained weight gain, dryness or thinning of hair, lethargy and depression. 9.Cushing s disease Signs are the thinning of the hair, increased thirst, excessive urination, potbelly and overeating. 10.Dry eye The main sign is a yellowish green discharge from the eyes. 11.Epilepsy The main symptom is seizures. 12.Gastrointestinal Disease This problem is suspected when there is vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of weight, bloody discharge in the stool and black stools. 13.Inflammatory Bowel Disease The signs are diarrhea, vomiting and mucus or blood in the stool. 14.Diabetes mellitus The symptoms are increased thirst, excessive urination, a drop in weight, weakness, depression and vomiting. 15.Obesity This problem is easy to spot as your pet will be overweight, dislike exercise and will have difficulty walking. 16.Anemia The main signs are weakness and pale gums. 17.Mitral Insufficiency/Heart disease The symptoms are excessive coughing, especially at night, weight loss, fainting and panting. 18.Liver Disease Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, behavioral changes and yellow gums. 19.Bladder stones The signs are difficulty in urinating and blood in the urine. Good care means paying careful attention to any changes in your pet s health, body condition, activity and behavior. Use these senior dog care tips to help you identify symptoms of illnesses and problems so that you can take your best friend to the vet for treatment before he or she starts suffering. Sometimes it takes very little effort to ease your pet s pain or discomfort. Make your dog s last years with you as happy and enjoyable as possible.

9 How Blood Work Benefits Your Senior Pet The very idea of your beloved cat or dog growing old is something all pet owners try not to think about. We all want to see our pets live as long, happy, and healthy as possible, but unfortunately sometimes illnesses take over. It is not uncommon for major health changes to occur in pets in a short amount of time, which is why it is absolutely imperative you are prepared for the worst and know how to properly care for your senior pet. It is no secret that regular veterinary care is essential to the overall health and wellness of your pet, as it will help ensure they are up-to-date on all their vaccinations and as healthy as possible. When our pets get older, it is common practice for your vet to suggest blood work is done. For many pet owners, this recommendation raises a lot of questions. Is blood work really necessary at this stage in my pet s life? How expensive is it? Why is blood work an important part of my pet s elderly wellness plan? We are going to answer these questions and more today, but we always encourage you to contact us at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic if you have any specific questions about your pet s health, especially when it comes to blood work for senior pets.

10 How Does Blood Work Help? It is generally recommended that you start thinking about senior pet wellness care when your cat or dog gets to about six or eight years of age. This will obviously change depending on the breed and overall current health of your pet, but that is something to keep in mind as your pet completes another trip around the sun. When it comes to blood work for senior pets, here are a few ways it can help: Blood work allows our veterinarians to check your cat or dog for any common issues that may appear around these ages. Blood work will show us how healthy your pet s kidneys and liver are, which is where a lot of pets run into trouble as they get older. Approximately 75% of a pet s kidney function can be gone before they ever show any physical symptoms, which is why being proactive with blood work is so important Blood work helps us catch symptoms early on, which in turn allows us to slow the progression of many diseases, prolonging your pet s life. Making simple diet changes is one of the most effective ways we can slow the progression of certain disease including diabetes, liver disease, and renal disease (in cats only).

11 Is it Worth It? Depending on the current health of your pet, yes! Blood work is something that many view as unnecessary and a waste of time, but this couldn t be further from the truth. Since our pets cannot tell us how they are feeling, yearly or semi-annual blood testing provides us with the information we need to either detect any illnesses or ensure your pet is healthy. Blood work shows us the earliest signs of illness, oftentimes before your pet ever shows signs of sickness. We can gain insight on how your pet is feeling and what actions need to be taken in order to improve their overall quality of life. Blood work helps us address a wide range of problems or potential issues with your senior pet, which allows us to come up with a tailored treatment plan right away. If you would like to learn more about why we recommend blood work for senior pets or discuss your specific pet with one of our vets, please do not hesitate to contact us today. It is our intention to ensure your pet achieves optimal health and wellness at every stage of their life.

12 The Importance of Blood Work for Elderly Cat or Dog Care As your pet ages, you may be faced with the tough decision of having expensive tests done that will determine what type of care your beloved pet cat or dog may need down the line, such as blood work. Many people ask if these tests are truly necessary, and the answer is yes. There are numerous different technologies that are designed to help your pet live longer, healthier lives. Having blood work done on your older dog or cat will help determine whether or not they are in tip-top shape or lagging because of an infection, anemia or some other problem. There are many different scenarios where your veterinarian may suggest blood tests, and it is important to be aware of the most common ones in order to provide proper care to your elderly dog or cat. Whether your senior pet is suddenly slowing down and doesn t appear to be their usual self, or if they have sustained an injury of some sort, it may be helpful to have your vet conduct a blood test to see what is truly going on.

13 Why Blood Work is Necessary for Senior Pets Blood tests are something that provide a great deal of information on your elderly dog or cat, which is why many vets strongly suggest you, as a pet owner, have these tests done at a certain point. While the justification for each blood test is different, there are some common reasons why they may be suggested for senior dogs or cats. The main reason for having blood work done on your senior pet is because, simply, dogs and cats cannot describe symptoms to help us determine what may be wrong. If your elderly pet just does not seem quite right (such as losing interest in going outside, no longer greeting you at the door when you get home, or sleeping more than usual), there may be something wrong that only blood work will reveal. Diagnosing an illness in a dog or cat is similar to how it is in humans, which means multiple tests and blood work may be required in order to truly get at the root of the problem. The older your pet gets, the more important it is for them to have regular vet visits and for you to pay attention to their behavior. There are of course certain conditions that are part of growing older (for example, joint stiffness, reduced hearing, loss of vision), but there are other problems that can only be determined through diagnostic tests and blood work.

14 When Should Blood Be Tested? When it comes to elderly dog care or elderly cat care, it is recommended to have blood work done a couple of times a year. This will help prevent or minimize conditions that may otherwise progress very quickly.

15 What You Need to Know about Old Dog Skin Problems Constant exposure to a wide range of environmental factors usually leaves dogs vulnerable to many types of skin diseases. These problems affect dogs of all breeds and ages, but senior dogs are more prone to old dog skin problems because of their advanced age as well as their weakened immune response. It s easy to determine if your pet is suffering from a skin issue by sight, touch, and even smell. Specifically, here are some indications of a skin problem: Scratching, licking, chewing, and other general signs of irritation Redness or inflammation Scaly or flaky patches Hair loss and bald areas Skin masses or lumps Let s go over some of these issues in greater detail.

16 Redness or Inflammation Inflammation of the skin or dermatitis is usually associated with problems involving the internal organs, such as the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. In old dogs, liver disease and diabetes can cause necrolytic dermatitis, or superficial skin tissue death. Scaling or Flaking Senior dogs often exhibit scaling, which can vary between fine particles and sheets due to the physical changes brought about by aging. Scaly patches could also be caused by a number of other factors, including infections, vitamin or mineral deficiency, an allergy, parasitic infestation, hormonal disorders, and congenital defects. Hair Loss (Alopecia) In senior dogs, balding could just be a natural effect of aging and not a symptom of old dog skin problems. However, hair loss in patches, also referred to as alopecia, is worth looking into because the hair loss can be caused by parasites, bacterial or fungal infection, and even hormonal dysfunction such as hyperthyroidism. Alopecia in dogs can also be caused by poor diet and nutrition as well as inadequate grooming.

17 Here s How to Keep Your Dog s Skin Healthy: Feed your pet the right diet. Old dogs need to be groomed more often, especially in the anal area. This will keep your dog clean and give you the opportunity to check for skin problems before they become too serious. Use shampoo specially formulated for dogs to prevent skin dryness, which is a common problem among senior dogs. Check for and prevent parasites, such as fleas, regularly. In case you should notice parasites, contact a veterinarian immediately. Check for and remove foreign objects attached to your dog s fur or skin, such as burrs, foxtails, gum, and so on. Most canine skin diseases can be treated or at least managed when caught early on, but old dog skin problems should be checked as soon as possible by a vet to prevent any age-related complications and to keep a simple condition from getting worse.

18 Senior Dog Care Includes Keeping an Older Dog Active Making sure your dog stays active is an important responsibility that must be included as part of senior dog care. Many dog owners feel their older pets are too fragile to engage in physical activities; however, though they can t run as fast or jump as high as they once did, senior dogs still need to walk, play or simply do something that gets them moving. In some cases, of course, conditions such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia will limit a dog s mobility, but that doesn t mean you have to discard the idea of a workout or a training session altogether. You simply need to create a pain-free routine that suits your pooch best.

19 There are Several Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Active Encourage your older dog to engage in a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. You can start slowly but surely by tossing your dog a few treats. He or she ll have playtime and exercise while enjoying small doses of doggie treats. It s a win-win situation so long as you don t go overboard with the treats! Change the pattern of his or her play sessions. Roll a ball on a flat surface so that your dog can slowly retrieve it. Play a gentle tug-of-war game using one of their toys. Sprinkle a few dog biscuits around the room and have your pooch search for them. As long as the activity you choose doesn t require sudden movements or twisting and jumping, it will be good for them. Have him or her go slowly up and down a flight of stairs to loosen the muscles and flex the joints. This might be tough on small dogs like Chihuahuas, but it makes for a very effective workout. If your dog is in no condition to climb stairs, set up ramps inside your home. Walking up and down ramps won t strain them as much, and they may find it more comfortable to move around.

20 Use These Exercise Tips Too For effective and gentle senior dog care, keep these training guidelines in mind: Before you start a new exercise or conditioning program, seek your veterinarian s go-signal. During the checkup, ask for advice about the most appropriate activities for your older dog. Monitor and manage your pet s nutrition. Make sure your dog is getting the protein he or she needs to engage in workout or training sessions. Take it easy on very hot or cold days. Senior dogs are highly sensitive to temperature, so you mustn t push them too hard. Also, make sure he or she stays hydrated with lots of water. Have your pooch warm up and cool down for every exercise routine by beginning and ending slowly. Note that the older your dog, the longer it takes for them to warm up about five to ten minutes so you must be sure to set aside the time he or she needs for this. Warming up minimizes straining; cooling down flushes out the toxins. Engaging your dog physically is the key to providing responsible senior dog care. With an appropriate set of activities and a smart approach, you can promote the health and longevity of your dear pet.

21 7 Reasons Adopting a Senior Cat or Dog may be a Better Choice for You It is no secret that puppies and kittens are adorable and pull at your heart strings. However, before you adopt a pet, it may be a good idea to consider going with a senior dog or senior cat. There are an unfortunate amount of senior pets that find themselves in shelters for many different reasons. Regardless of how they ended up there, these animals make great companions and, in many cases, give you the opportunity to save a life. There are many wonderful reasons why you should consider adopting a senior pet, some of which we will go over below. While many people who are considering adopting an animal immediately set out looking for a puppy or kitten, this is not always the best option. Let s go over seven of the main reasons why you bringing home a senior pet over one that is just a few months old may be the right choice for you.

22 Reason #1: Senior Dogs and Cats will be Thankful It is no secret that senior pets are oftentimes the ones who are left behind at the shelter as people opt to adopt younger animals. If you decide to adopt a senior pet, many people believe they understand that they have been rescued and are therefore inherently grateful and thankful. Reason #2: No Secrets One of the main benefits to adopting a senior pet is that you know what you are getting; there are no secrets. Seniors cats and dogs are essentially open books, as you will have no question about their full-grown size, personality, or grooming needs. Reason #3: They are Very Trainable Contrary to popular belief, senior pets are much easier to train than younger animals. This is largely due to the fact they are calmer and wiser than their younger counterparts. Additionally, senior pets have a lot more experience with humans and understand how to read their emotions and commands better. They will be more willing to please you, and already understand that rewards come with good behavior!

23 Reason #4: Senior Cats and Dogs are Content and Calm Senior dogs and cats have far less energy than young animals and will be much more content to just relax by your side or in your lap day in and day out. They are less likely to get into trouble and make fantastic napping buddies, who can argue with that! Reason #5: They are Less Destructive Senior pets are far less likely to scratch, chew up things, or get into the trash. They understand that chew toys or scratch posts (respectively) serve a purpose, and will use them over your favorite pair of shoes. You won t have to worry about teaching your senior dog not to jump on people when they come over or to refrain from biting your hands when playing. Reason #6: They are More Independent Senior pets will not need the 24/7 care that puppies and kittens require. You will not have to worry about what they are getting into while you are at work, nor will you have to rush home during your lunch hour or right after work to let them out and make sure they are ok. Senior pets are far more independent, self-sufficient, and less likely to create a mess.

24 Reason #7: To Senior Dogs and Cats, You Will Be A Hero Lastly and perhaps most importantly, by adopting a senior dog or senior cat you will be saving a life, period. Senior animals are typically the last to get adopted from shelters. Bringing home a senior pet will give you an incomparable emotional return on your investment, and you will feel good about your choice every single day. If you are considering adopting, take a moment and weigh the options of bringing home a senior pet. They make wonderful companions and are a choice you will feel good about, day in and day out.

25 Why You Should Open Your Home to a Senior Pet

26 Why You Should Open Your Home to a Senior Pet A senior pet is rarely the first choice among those looking to adopt from a shelter. Most tend to go for younger ones such as cute kittens and playful puppies and shy away from grown-up or mature ones. The common misconception is that all senior pets have either a health or behavioral problem that forced their previous owner to surrender them to a shelter. The truth is, there are many other reasons why an adult pet ends up in a shelter. For instance, their owner may not have been able to care for them any longer due to a major lifestyle change (e.g., new baby, a move, loss of a job). Or perhaps the owner passed away, and no one s left to look after them. So yes, there are many active and healthy senior pets in need of a home. They may be over the age of five, but they can still make for great household pets, sometimes even better than young adoptees. Here s why.

27 They re Less Demanding Senior pets have been there, done that. The search-anddestroy phase is over, so it s unlikely they ll be destructive around your home or with your belongings. This means you can leave the house without worrying that you ll be returning to a messy or chaotic home. As they ve lived in a similar setting before, senior pets are house-trained and know they re expected to follow certain rules. For instance, with their previous litter-box training, getting them to follow the potty rules in their new home should be easy and can be done in one or two days (or if you re lucky, in only a matter of hours). Not only are they independent and disciplined, but senior pets also adapt fast. The key is to establish a routine including a feeding, grooming, and exercise schedule that will help them settle and feel comfortable in your home. Besides house manners, senior pets are often already trained in basic commands. Try come, stay, sit, and down, and chances are they will know exactly what to do. Want to teach him or her new tricks or enroll them in an obedience class? Don t worry. Older dogs are fast-learners. Compared to puppies, they have a longer attention span and as a result they are more responsive to trainers.

28 Little to No Surprises When you bring home a senior pet, it s pretty clear what you re in for. Physically, he or she has gone through developmental changes and is a fully grown adult. The color of their coat, their size, how healthy the hips are what you see is what you get. Even their demeanor and temperament are established. And chances are he or she s less energetic and more relaxed than their younger counterparts. Want a thorough analysis of their behavior and personality? Ask the shelter if they ve done one, and they ll provide the information you seek along with history and background. All this gives you an idea, from the get-go, on how a particular senior pet will fit in your household and lifestyle, making it easier to decide if he or she s the right match. Are there certain attributes you d like your pet to have? Then you can also search for an older dog or cat based on those qualities, say a cat with short hair or a dog who s catfriendly.

29 Instant Companions With senior pets, you can do things together right away. From taking walks and working out to playing fetch and snuggling at night, an adult pet makes for an amazing partner. Are there kids in the family? A senior pet tends to be soft and tolerant towards children. As long as he or she doesn t have a painful condition like arthritis, they can handle some rough handling from young kids without being a safety hazard. You could also get your children involved in taking care of a senior pet by assigning simple tasks that will enable them to take on more responsibility. Senior pets are also a perfect fit for elderly people. Their relaxed and calm temperament can be very comforting. And because they re less energetic, senior pets and their owners can go about with their day-to-day activities at the same pace. Sadly, senior pets are usually the last to find a home. Some languish in shelters. Others are euthanized to make room for younger pets. But as the benefits above show, adult and senior pets are just as adoption-worthy. And opening your heart and home to them can bring unparalleled joy to your household.

30 Was the information in this book helpful? What other information would you like to know? Let us know at: Sykesville Veterinary Clinic 20 Liberty Rd., Suite C Sykesville, MD Check out our web site for more information: Veterinary-Clinic /?ref=aymt_homepage_pa nel A Publication of Sykesville Veterinary Clinic