Submitted by Peoria County Animal Protection Services
We’re all getting older, and our pets are no exception. The worst part of pet ownership is that our companion animals don’t live as long as we do — and they age faster. Consequently, it’s not long at all before our new puppy or kitten is middle-aged and then a senior. We can help them through their older years by attending to their health throughout their lives and providing extra care as they become elderly.
Geriatric pets can develop many of the same problems older people do, such as cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, joint problems, and even senility. Of course, it’s not uncommon for older pets to lose their vision or hearing as well. The best thing to do as your pet gets older is to talk with your veterinarian about what to prepare for with an aged animal. You may need to change your pet’s diet or environment to deal with some of the issues.
A general rule of thumb for older pets is semi-annual veterinary examinations. Illnesses or other problems can develop quickly in seniors, so more frequent trips to the vet can catch them early for treatment that is more effective. Also, if your pet’s loss of vision or hearing has become obvious, your veterinarian can recommend techniques for dealing with its condition so they adjust to the change with less stress.
Geriatric pets often need a change in diet — either for weight control or to a food that is more easily digested. While weight gain is the usual issue for older dogs, weight loss can be a more common occurrence in elderly cats. Overweight dogs experience joint problems and are at risk for heart disease. You can keep your dog from gaining weight by selecting the right food and feeding an appropriate amount. In older cats, dental disease is extremely common and often causes a decrease in appetite resulting in weight loss. Although many different diseases can cause a loss of appetite in felines, a decreased sense of smell may be partially responsible. You may need to make special efforts to encourage your kitty to eat.
Of course, various types of cancer can attack our senior pets just as they do humans. Some of the common signs of cancer to watch for include abnormal swellings that continue to grow, sores that won’t heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, offensive mouth odor, difficulty eating or swallowing, hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina, persistent lameness, and difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating. If you notice any of these signs, have your pet seen by your veterinarian immediately.
Elderly pets will often exhibit changes in behavior, too. Sometimes these changes can be related to medical problems; other times they can be attributed to senility or cognitive dysfunction. These changes in behavior should be noted and reported to your veterinarian. They can play a vital role in diagnosing illness or disease, and they also can help you devise a plan for caring for your pet should the cause be senility. Some behavior changes to watch for include the following:
- Increased reaction to sounds
- Increased vocalization
- Confusion
- Decreased interaction with humans
- Increased irritability or aggressive/protective behavior
- Increased anxiety
- House soiling
- Decreased self-hygiene/grooming
- Repetitive activity or increased wandering
- Change in sleep cycles
Growing older isn’t a disease; rather, it’s a natural process. While many of the conditions that affect elderly pets cannot be corrected, they can often be controlled, so your pet can live comfortably. The best thing you can do for your senior pet is to continue loving and caring for him or her just as you did when they were young and demanding your attention. It’s easy to “forget” they’re there when they snooze the day away and don’t come running as often as they used to. Make the effort to keep your old guy or gal engaged in life and interacting with family members. Cherish every moment you have them in your life.
When the time comes to make that tough decision to end their life humanely, know that euthanasia is a gift to end the suffering of your friend. You can ensure that they leave the world peacefully, knowing the love and care of their master. Your veterinarian can help you with the grief and sadness as you lose your friend. As hard as it may be on you to let go, you can take comfort knowing your pet left this world with love, dignity and respect.
If you have questions about senior pet care, or if you’re interested in bringing a senior pet into your family, contact PCAPS at
309-672-2440 or visit our website at www.peoriacounty.org/PCAPS.