As your beloved pet enters their senior years, their health and wellness needs begin to change. Just like humans, aging pets require more attention to ensure they continue to enjoy a high quality of life. At Hammond Veterinary Hospital, we understand how important it is to provide specialized care to our senior pets, helping them navigate the challenges of aging. From understanding when your pet is considered a senior to addressing common health concerns and adjusting their home environment, this guide will help you ensure your pet thrives throughout their golden years.
When is Your Pet Considered a Senior?
The aging process for pets depends on factors such as species, breed, and environment. Here are general guidelines to help you identify when you can consider your pet a senior:
- Cats and Small Dogs: Considered seniors at around seven years old.
- Large Breed Dogs: Often considered senior around the age of six, due to shorter average life spans.
If you are curious about how your pet’s age corresponds to human years, see the following chart from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Common Health Concerns for Senior Pets
Caring for senior pets means recognizing and managing age-related health issues. As pets age, they often experience changes such as vision and hearing loss, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of various diseases. Dr. Hammond is trained to look for and recognize these health concerns during examinations, ensuring that any emerging issues are identified early. Senior pets are particularly susceptible to developing:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Heart Disease
- Kidney and urinary tract issues
- Liver disease
- Cancer
Senior Wellness Exams at Hammond Veterinary Hospital
We recommend beginning senior wellness exams at age seven, as pets experience subtle changes in their health that can be difficult to notice at home. Dr. Hammond performs comprehensive exams and uses advanced diagnostic tests, available through our in-house laboratory, to detect early signs of disease or age-related decline before they become more serious. These exams are crucial for identifying changes in your pet’s organ function, allowing us to intervene early and manage conditions effectively.
During the thorough examination, Dr. Hammond assesses key aspects of your pet’s health, including their nose, throat, teeth, gums, eyes, ears, coat, skin, lymph nodes, legs, paws, nervous system, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, abdomen, and urinary system. With the benefit of on-site diagnostics, we can quickly assess your pet’s health and provide timely, tailored care to help them live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.
Alternative Therapies for Senior Pets
At Hammond Veterinary Hospital, we offer alternative therapies that can significantly improve the comfort and quality of life for senior pets.
- Acupuncture
This gentle and effective treatment involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. When pets receive acupuncture, they typically experience a sense of relaxation and calm. The procedure is well-tolerated, and most pets show minimal to no discomfort when the thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific points. This therapy helps stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being. It is particularly beneficial for senior pets suffering from arthritis, neurological issues, or chronic pain.
- Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light to penetrate tissues and promote cellular repair. This therapy helps reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve wound healing. It is commonly used for pets with arthritis, post-surgical pain, or inflammatory conditions. The treatment is painless and well-tolerated by pets of all ages.
7 Tips to Caring for a Senior Pet at Home
1. Monitor Your Pet’s Weight
Weight plays a significant role in an older pet’s health. Obesity can worsen conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. On the other hand, Sudden weight loss in a dog or cat can indicate serious health issues like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, cancer, or severe dental issues. It may also result from internal parasites, heart disease, chronic pain, or stress. If you notice unexplained weight gain or loss, consult with us promptly for a diagnosis and treatment. If you notice a sudden change in your senior pet’s weight, contact us promptly.
2. Encourage Physical Activity
Even as pets age, regular exercise remains important. Tailor activities to their ability, opting for shorter walks or multiple brief play sessions. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity daily but adjust based on your pet’s comfort level.
3. Maintain Dental Health
Dental disease is a leading issue in senior pets and can cause pain and affect major organs. Regular dental checkups and cleanings at Hammond Veterinary Hospital are essential to maintaining your pet’s oral health. In addition to regular wellness exams and professional dental cleanings, we will provide you with helpful tips on brushing techniques, dental chews, and choosing the right diet to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and strong between visits.
4. Keep Your Pet Well-Groomed
All pets benefit from regular grooming. Brushing your pet helps remove loose hairs and dead skin cells while distributing natural oils. In their senior years, arthritis can make it difficult for them to reach all parts of their body, leading to matting, discomfort, and even skin infections. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat in good condition but also helps you identify any issues early, such as lumps, bumps, or signs of irritation.
5. Adjust Their Environment to Their Needs
As pets age, their physical capabilities and comfort levels change, requiring adjustments to their environment to maintain their quality of life. By making simple modifications, you can help your senior pet navigate their surroundings more easily and enjoy a safe and comfortable space. Here are a few adjustments to consider:
- Pet Stairs or Ramps: Ideal for helping pets access their favorite spots or get in and out of the car.
- Comfortable Bedding: Consider orthopedic or heated beds to alleviate joint pain and improve rest.
- Safe Spaces: Keep dogs on a leash outdoors and provide secure patios or enclosures for cats to prevent accidents. The Purfect Fence has fence and patio options to make the outdoors safe for cats.
6. Help Them Find Their Way
Vision or hearing loss in a pet can be upsetting to pet parents. But pets can often learn to navigate around these disabilities. You can make your home a safe haven for your pet by doing the following:
- Keep a consistent routine at home as much as you can. Minimize changes in the home, map out “routes” using textured runners, safety gates, and night lights.
- Incorporate sound cues for play, feeding, and enrichment. For example, a water fountain can help your pet locate water. Squeak toys or other toys that make noise assist your pet in play activity. Some cats respond well to clicker training. Vocalize your actions to keep your pet connected.
- Use scents for games of fetch, hide-and-seek, or to help your pet identify key areas like feeding spots and rest areas.
7. Prioritizing Senior Pet Wellness
As your pet enters their senior years, it’s important to prioritize their health and comfort through consistent wellness care and adjustments at home. At Hammond Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to providing the care your senior pet needs to remain comfortable and happy. Regular senior wellness exams, alternative therapies like acupuncture and laser therapy, and simple lifestyle modifications can make a big difference in your pet’s quality of life. With the right approach, you can help your pet stay healthy and active as they age. Contact us today to schedule your senior pet’s next wellness exam and ensure they continue to enjoy their golden years.
Your Compassionate Team
Hammond Veterinary Hospital
(580) 658-5551