Our pets’ bodies change in the same way our own do as we age. Veterinarians and medical records may use the term “geriatric” to refer to senior pets. Canines and felines are considered senior citizens when they reach the age of seven.
What are the factors behind these illnesses?
This will be determined by various factors, one of which is the breed and size of your pet. Larger breeds have a higher predisposition to age faster than smaller breeds. If you have an older dog, a Great Dane, or a Maine coon, you should be aware of the seven most common health issues that affect senior pets.
Visual and Auditory Impairment
Your senior pet may develop vision or hearing problems. Your pet may have an eye problem if he starts bumping into things, falls, or develops redness and cloudiness in his eyes. Disobedience, nervousness, or behavioral changes may indicate that your pet is losing hearing.
Even though blindness and deafness are typically irreversible, you can still help your pet in a few ways. Avoid moving furniture or putting up obstacles in your home. Teaching your pet hand signals can assist you in communicating with them after their hearing has deteriorated.
Kidney Problems
The kidneys filter waste and keep the body in balance. Toxins accumulate in the body when unable to function, resulting in kidney failure. This can be due to aging or kidney stones obstructing the urinary tract.
There’s a good chance that your pet has a kidney stone if you notice an increase in his water intake, frequency of urination, or incidence of accidents around the house. Contact your vets in Mechanicsburg, PA if you suspect your pet is suffering from kidney disease. Early detection of kidney disease can improve your pet’s chances of living a long and healthy life.
Dysfunction of Cognitive Function
Cognitive dysfunction symptoms in pets may resemble senility in humans. Unusual aggressive behavior, increased barking or meowing, anxiety, confusion, or irritability are all symptoms. Memory loss, personality changes, or repetitive behaviors may also be observed. Consult your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms.
Dental Illness
It is essential to practice good dental hygiene to forestall problems like periodontal disease. If you want to establish a routine for your pet, it’s best to ask a vet for advice. Bad breath, drooling, gum inflammation, and loose teeth are all signs of dental disease in your dog or cat.
Damage to teeth and gums can lead to a loss of appetite, infections, cardiovascular problems, and even kidney failure. However, good dental hygiene and periodic examinations can help your pet maintain oral health into old age.
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis significantly contributes to the suffering of animals with joint pain. Although arthritis has no cure, it can be managed with treatment and nutrition to reduce symptoms and delay further damage. Symptoms include limping, fear of stairs, trouble getting up and moving around, apparent pain when picked up, licking or chewing at the painful joint, and irritability. Get advice from your vet on how to treat your pet’s joint pain best if it’s affecting its quality of life.
Heart Issues
Senior cats and dogs are prone to heart disease. Cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease, is one of the cats’ most common heart diseases. Blood circulation is impaired in dogs with congestive heart failure. Coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and vomiting are all symptoms of heart disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for more info.
Bumps and Lumps
Although older pets are more likely to develop lumps or bumps, not all are cancerous. Keep an eye out for weight changes, slow-healing sores, diarrhea, or constipation. If you notice a new lump, get it checked out as soon as possible. Schedule regular checkups to detect tumors early and improve your pet’s chances of successful treatment, and make sure to always complete your cat and dog vaccinations when they are young.
