Senior Pets

Unfortunately we cannot halt the inevitable signs of ageing but we can help to delay some of the unwanted problems of ageing by good management and regular health checks.

The average dog is considered senior at the age of 7 although some smaller breeds may actually be considered senior at the age of 9. Cats are usually considered senior at 9 years of age.

As with humans, various health problems are much easier to treat of caught early so it's important that your senior pet has a regular check up. Problems that are regularly encountered in a senior pet check are as follows:

• Mouth: chipped teeth, gum disease, tartar build up and bad breath
• Ears; Inflammation and infection
• Skin; Itching, parasites, hair loss, scaly flaky skin/dandruff
• Bones and joints; arthritis , lameness, muscle wasting.
• Kidneys and bladder; Incontinence, painful urination, increased thirst
• Heart and lungs; coughing collapsing and fainting.

Arthritis is by far the most common problem we see in older pets but how do you know your pet may have arthritis?

The common signs include:

• Slow to get up or lie down
• Stiffness or limping after rest or exercise
• Difficulty going up or down the stairs
• Subdued behaviour
• Licking at painful joints.

There are many ways to help treat arthritis and you should speak to your vet about what is most suitable for your pet. Treatments include something from as simple as cutting down exercise levels, using nutritional supplements to using anti inflammatory medicines and injections to control the discomfort.