Senior Pet Care

Senior Dogs

As dogs get older, there are a number of joint and bone disorders that they can start to develop, all of which can cause pain and discomfort. 

The most common joint and bone disorders that our veterinarians see in senior dogs include arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, reduction in spinal flexibility, and growth plate disorders. Addressing these issues as soon as possible is essential for keeping your dog comfortable as they enter their senior years.

There are many different ways that these disorders can be treated. Sometimes it can be as simple as reducing exercise or providing analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. More advanced issues may require surgery to remove diseased tissue, stabilize joints or reduce pain.

Senior Cats

While osteoarthritis is typically a condition we think of in older dogs, this painful condition can also affect your senior cat's joints.

The symptoms associated with osteoarthritis in cats can appear much more subtly than those seen in dogs. Cats can experience a decrease in mobility, but the most common signs include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter pan, and inability to jump on and off objects.

The lameness that is typically seen in dogs is not commonly reported by cat owners.

Cancer is a highly prevalent issue seen in dogs and cats. It is believed that approximately 50% of all pets die from cancer. That's why it's important for you to have your cat or dog checked out by your veterinarian on a routine basis.

We recommend bringing your senior pet in for routine checkups twice a year because cancer can start to develop without any visible signs. It is important for your veterinarian to have the opportunity to thoroughly examine them and perform diagnostic tests. This can help them catch early signs of cancer and other developing conditions which respond better to treatment when caught in their earliest stages.

Heart diseases are as much of a problem for aging dogs and cats as they are for people as we grow older.

As dogs move into their golden years the risk of congestive heart failure increases. This common condition occurs when the heart stops pumping blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the heart, lungs, and chest cavity.

Although heart disease is seen less in cats than in dogs, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is relatively common. This condition causes the walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s ability to function efficiently.

Degeneration of the eyes and ears can lead to varying degrees of deafness and blindness in older pets. These conditions are somewhat more prevalent in dogs than in cats.

These conditions often develop slowly, allowing senior pets to adjust their behaviour and making it challenging for pet owners to notice the signs.

Liver disease is common in older cats and may be caused by high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of liver disease in cats can include loss of appetite, jaundice, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

The symptoms of liver disease in dogs can include the following: Seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss.

If your dog or cat is displaying any symptoms of liver disease, urgent veterinary care is required. Contact our veterinarians right away.

Realistically, diabetes can develop in dogs and cats at any age, but they are more commonly diagnosed with this condition as they reach their senior years.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats include excessive thirst, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections.

Kidney function tends to decline as dogs and cats get older. That said, in some cases, medications used to treat other conditions in senior pets can actually lead to kidney problems.

While chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can often be managed with a prescription diet and medications.

You might notice that your elderly dog or cat is having more accidents in the house, or outside their litter box. This is because the muscles controlling the bladder begin to weaken, but incontinence can be a sign of a bigger health issue such as a urinary tract infection or dementia, and should never be ignored.

If your senior dog or cat experiences incontinence issues, make an appointment to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.