With time, our pets become like family, reliant upon us for their quality of life. But like so many humans, this comes with unique challenges that come in older ages and must be directly combatted for the sake of the animal. Knowing some issues that come along with old age can help increase a good life where they will live and spend the remaining years happy and comfortably in their golden years.
Joint and Mobility Issues
Joint pain in senior pets, especially arthritis, can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, supplements, soft bedding, and minimising slippery surfaces. Be sure to shop online at Pets HeaLED too because these devices have grown in popularity.
Vision and Hearing Loss
With age, most of the senses in pets tend to deteriorate. Older dogs often suffer from cataracts and glaucoma, while both cats and dogs may experience hearing loss, leading to issues like furniture bumping, startling, or non-responsiveness to commands. When these changes occur, they are often irreversible. However, by modifying the home environment—like keeping furniture in the same place—you can help them adapt more easily. Using hand signals instead of verbal commands is also a good way to communicate with them.
Dental Disease
Dental health is usually not considered until it becomes a painful problem for animals. Ageing animals are pretty prone to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and gum infections. Bad breath, difficulty eating, or excessive drooling indicate dental problems. Regular dental cleaning and a proper diet can avoid severe dental issues. Also, adding dental chews or toys to their routine may help maintain oral health.
Weight Management
Senior pets may struggle with leanness due to obesity, worsening arthritic conditions, diabetes, heart disease, and sudden weight loss. Regular vet check-ups and appropriate dietary packages can help maintain proper weight. In addition, if your dog exhibits signs like a bloated stomach, exploring solutions such as a dog bloated stomach home remedy might provide some immediate relief. However, always consult a veterinarian for chronic or severe issues.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases in pets, such as kidney, diabetes, and heart-related issues, increase with age. Early detection and proper treatment through regular vet visits and diagnostic tests can prevent these diseases from advancing to their final stages.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is the canine equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. An ageing pet may be confused or disoriented, sleep more or less than before, forget house training, or be less responsive to its owners. While there is no cure for CDS, dietary changes, interactive toys that mentally stimulate pets, and some medications are known to help manage its symptoms and slow down its progression.
Skin and Coat Changes
Ageing makes a pet’s skin and coat more prone to dryness, itching, or infections. Thinning fur, flaky skin, or constant scratching should not be overlooked. Regular grooming, gentle shampoo bathing, and a high-quality diet rich in omega-3s can enhance skin health.
The Importance of Regular Vet Visits
Veterinary care is crucial for older animals, enabling early identification of any issues. Only through vets can certain treatments be recommended that might be considered the right approach to treating your pets to keep them healthier for longer.
Special care is badly needed for ageing pets, and if treated accordingly, this can be a non-issue in their lives. Such goals can be achieved with due attention to common health problems through timely intervention.
