Senior Pet's Wellness for Dogs and Cats in Aurora IL
The life expectancy of senior pets has increased two-fold, thanks to scientific interventions. With better medication and the healthcare system, pets can be outside for longer. However, the advanced stages of life give way to new issues in our pets. Most of the issues can be prevented through proper and consideration vet care. This article will talk about various issues in elderly pets and ways to manage them.
At what stage is my pet considered 'elderly'?
Senior age can be determined through some general guidelines even though the animal may vary in conditions from one another at the same age. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines, the senior age for cats and dogs is estimated to be 7. A few large breeds of dogs and cats are considered senior at 6. Moreover, you must know that both cats and dogs age differently. Some vets believe that dogs age faster than the felines.
What are common issues my senior cat can face?
Both canines and felines can be subjected to issues specific to older age, just like human beings. The following are common ailments present in cats. Be aware that these are not the only illnesses that a senior cat can face:
• Hear diseases
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Limb weakness
• Kidney and liver malfunctioning
• Thyroid issues
What measures should I take to keep my senior pet healthy?
Although the diseases that I have mentioned above sound scary, the good news is that there are a number of preventative measures you can take to avoid them. The first step is to be a part of the Senior Pet Wellness Examination. Seeing your vet two to three times a year to carry out a general pet examination can increase your chances of detecting ailments in an early stage. Moreover, vets can also rule out an effective course of action to prevent and maintain diseases. Diet also plays a big role in keeping senior pets healthy and prolonging their life span. Ensure that the senior cats and dogs of the house are getting enough nutrition required for the day. Indulge them in playful activities while respecting their boundaries because senior dogs or cats get agitated quickly.
Steps included in the Senior Pet Examination:
Following are the steps included in Senior Pet Examination:
Lab Tests
To ensure a pet’s optimal health, lab work like urinalysis and blood tests is extremely crucial. Doctors always require lab results to come up with an authentic prognosis. Usually, lab tests evaluate a senior pet’s health, such as hydration level, kidney function, blood level, internal organ functioning, infection in the pet’s body, etc. Another common process is Fine Needle Aspirates because it helps you evaluate the nature of bumps and lumps on the pet’s body that later turns out to be cancer if not stopped.
Diet
Diet is the biggest aspect of your dog’s healthy and prolonged life. Cats who eat commercial food can get extremely sick and may have shorter life expectancy due to several diseases. On the other hand, cats and dogs who eat home-cooked, nutritionally balanced meals can live longer and get less sick. You must know what to give and what not to give your senior pet and be mindful of their eating pattern.
Exercise
Exercise is healthy for pets of all ages, not just senior individuals. However, it is extremely crucial in later stages of life for pets because it helps them have stronger muscles and lesser bone, joints, and muscle ailments. Your goal is to keep the canine or cats as mobile as possible. For more information on the suitable exercises, you can contact your vet and rule out a regimen for your four-legged friend.
Change in Environment
Aged pets usually have challenged mobility; therefore, small changes at home can make them extremely happy, like elevated food platform, incorporating a set of smaller steps, etc. we also suggest that your remain in contact with your pet’s veterinarian because animal healthcare professionals can guide you about the ins and outs of a senior pet’s health. All in all, your job is to keep your pet well-fed, mobile, and regularly checked so that they can spend their golden years in full glory.
Conclusion
Senior pets need more love and attention from the owner. On average, both cats and dogs can only live up to 7 years, and any additional tie than these years is a pure miracle. On the other hand, you can increase the golden years of your four-legged friend with true support and regular vet check-up. We have sourced all the details you need to know if your pets are aging in this article.
