At Animal 911 Hospital, our team will always treat your furry family member like their own from their early days to their golden years. As your pet reaches their senior status, they require more care and attention. It is totally normal that as your pet gets older, he slows down and is not playing with the same amount of energy as before. Senior cats and dogs may suffer from arthritis, vision and hearing changes, dementia, dental issues and other illnesses. Theses problems and concerns can lead to issues when having a senior pet in your home.
When is a pet considered senior?
Each pet grows differently, but usually, cats and dogs enter the “senior” phase once they are 7 years old and above. Cats who are 7 years old, are approximately 54 years old in human years, and dogs approximately 47 years old in human years. Although, dogs who are larger in size age faster than medium and small-sized dogs.
How should I care for my senior pet?
As pets get older, it can be difficult for you to notice changes in their health and behaviour since it is usually stable and non-changing over the years. More frequent exams may be important to make sure we monitor their health and condition. During these consultations, our team will be able to diagnose and get ahead of health problems if needed. Special needs such as a diet change, therapy and even small adjustments in your home environment and routine can be recommended to make sure your dog and/or cat always maintain a good quality of life. As an owner, your role is very important in your pet’s life especially in making sure that they get their regular appointments, proper exercise, nutrition, vaccines and medications.
What are some common health issues experienced by senior pets?
It is not rare for senior pets to develop these ilnesses and behavioral issues:
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
