They might be turning grey, but their last years can be golden
Whilst their love and loyalty doesn’t age, our pets do; cats and dogs are considered ‘seniors’ by seven years of age, and even as young as five for large breed dogs, like Labradors.
You may believe your seven-year-old cat or dog is in its prime, but on the inside the picture can be quite different. Older pets are more likely to develop heart disease, cancer, arthritis, kidney and liver disease. Unfortunately many conditions aren’t evident before irreversible damage has occurred. How can you help ensure your pet’s later years are golden?
A senior health screening is vitally important for all pets aged seven and older. These days, with the new IDEXX SDMA test, vets can detect kidney disease in cats up to four years earlier than before and up to two years earlier in dogs. Early detection allows for prompt intervention which can help the pet live longer and improve quality of life. According to Dr Sheri Ross of the University of California (Davis) Veterinary Medical Center,
“With the right care, you can extend your pet’s life by months, even years.”
Dr Ross says it’s easier to prevent than treat disease.
“For older pets, the two most important things are to monitor them carefully and feed a senior diet.”
With age, the optimal range for different nutrients becomes narrower, making it easier to tip into dietary deficiencies or excesses.
“Providing correct food is probably the simplest and most effective way you can make a difference,” says Dr Guy Fyvie, Veterinary Advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition South Africa.
“A new food, Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Mobility has been developed after more than a decade of research. It combines the very best nutritional science to help older pets remain fit, active and healthy for longer.”
Several small meals a day may be easier on an older pet’s digestion. But avoid overfeeding – obesity can lead to numerous health problems and can shorten a pet’s life.
Have fresh water available at all times – older pets’ are less able to regulate water balance and more prone to dehydration. Ensure food and water bowls are within easy reach of the elderly pet that may find it painful to bend, stretch or jump.
Go for walks and play together. Appropriate exercise will help you both stay fit and also keep the brain active, helping to avoid ‘doggy Alzheimer’s’.
For further advice on caring for your golden oldie visit www.SeniorPets.co.za.
Additional content – Seven Steps for Super Seniors:
1. Most importantly, go to the vet for a senior health check and ask for an IDEXX SDMA test.
2. Switch to a food specifically formulated for senior pets. New Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Mobility, available at vets in South Africa from late June 2017, has been developed after more than a decade of research and combines Hill’s best nutritional science to manage older pets.
3. Have clean water easily available at all times and monitor water intake.
4. Try to make your home more comfortable e.g. easy access to a warm bed, litter tray, food and water bowls; non-slippery floor surfaces; using ramps or steps as needed.
5. Regular grooming including brushing the teeth and trimming the nails as needed.
6. Consistent, gentle exercise and play is good for mind and body.
7. Lavish love and attention.
Tell Tail Signs of Ageing- Age-related changes start small and may seem insignificant. It may be as simple as a few grey hairs or being less excited about playtime or walks.
Other ‘tell tail’ signs of ageing include:
1) Sleeping longer or changes in sleep patterns.
2) Stiffness, limping or difficulty rising from rest.
3) Drinking more than usual.
4) Increased urination or ‘accidents’.
5) Weight loss or gain.
6) Changes in behaviour
7) A duller coat, lumps or bumps
8) Coughing, panting more, or shortness of breath.
9) Appearing confused or disorientated.
10) Bad breath, red and swollen gums, difficulty chewing or changes in eating habits.
NB: Many changes will not be evident on the outside! A senior health check is vital
