SENIOR  WELLNESS

Thanks to constant advances in veterinary medicine and nutrition, our pets are living longer and more comfortable lives.  Our older companions often require more specialized care than their younger counterparts.  Below are some general ideas that you can adopt in order to ensure that your special friend spends his or her golden years enjoying life to the fullest extent possible. 

Common Diseases
Geriatric pets are susceptible to many of the same diseases that older human are.  Common afflictions include cancer, diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure, cataracts and/or blindness, dental disease, and arthritis, along with a variety of other maladies.  Fortunately, veterinary medicine has progressed to the point that it is possible to treat these diseases.  We are able to keep the victims of these illnesses alive longer and, more importantly, comfortable.    

Prevention is key!  Be proactive!
Older pets should receive complete physical examination every six months rather that annually.  Just as animals age faster than humans, so do their diseases.  Many diseases that afflict older animals are completely preventable when headed off with proper care or are easily managed when detected early.  Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination on your companion, checking the mouth, eyes, and ears, as well as feeling the abdomen and assessing the body composition for any signs of disease.  The doctor will also use a stethoscope to listen to heart and lungs in order to try to detect abnormalities.  Pay attention to the details of your pet's habits and day to day activities so that you are able to notice changes when they occur.  Be sure to mention any and all concerning changes to your veterinarian.

Diagnostics
There are many avenues available that doctors can use to detect disease in their patients.  In addition to the biannual physical examination, your veterinarian may wish to analyze bloodwork in order to assess important factors such as kidney and liver function in your pet.  He or she may also want to look at a urinalysis, stool analysis, or radiographs to search for potential problems. 

Vaccinations
As our pets age, we can often decrease the frequency or altogether eliminate the use of vaccinations.  Depending on where you live and the lifestyle that you lead with your friend, your veterinarian will let you know which vaccinations are necessary and which can be discontinued. 

Nutrition

Older pets should be fed a "senior" diet.  These diets are rich in the specific vitamins and nutrients that are important to the health of geriatric animals.  Your veterinarian can recommend when to start feeding a senior diet, as well as which brands are best for your pet. 

Dental Care

Dental health is extremely important in animals as dental disease often leads to other systemic health problems.  Watch your pet for signs of oral discomfort such as bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, or red, swollen, or bleeding gums.  Follow any recommendations that your doctor provides regarding the dental health of your companion. 

Symptoms of Failing Health
Any abnormal behavioral or physical changes in your companion may be potential symptoms of their failing health.  Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.  Some specific changes to watch for are:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Lumps, especially those that are rapidly changing
• Bad breath, excessive drooling, red/irritated gums
• Excessive drinking and/or urination
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Lameness