Who doesn’t love a senior dog or cat? They’re loyal, they’re calm and they’re comfortable. The downside to having senior pets is that their health eventually will start to decline, and, as a responsible pet owner, you’ll have to remain proactive to ensure your four-legged friend’s long and healthy life.
Caring for Senior Pets: Nutrition, Dental Health and Lifestyle Support
Who doesn’t love a senior dog or cat? They’re loyal, calm and comfortable. The downside to having senior pets is that their health eventually will start to decline, and, as a responsible pet owner, you’ll have to remain proactive to ensure your four-legged friend’s long and healthy life.
Ashlyn Spitz, DVM, of West Ashley Veterinary Clinic, said that dogs and cats are considered seniors by around age 7 or 8. She noted that giant breeds, such as Great Danes and Bernese mountain dogs, are considered seniors much earlier, at around 4 to 5 years old, since their life expectancy is shorter.
There are some common health issues in older pets and ways to prevent them. Senior pets need proper nutrition, good dental hygiene, a healthy coat, pain management and lifestyle modifications for mobility impairment. These modifications could include ramps, less strenuous exercise, larger litter boxes and maybe a small ledge for easier entry.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Diet for senior pets is vital in maintaining a healthy body weight. “Proper nutrition and exercise are crucial,” said Dr. Spitz. “Senior pets should go to the vet for physical exams and lab work at least twice a year. This allows us to monitor trends in weight, lab results and detect things that pet parents may miss, such as new masses or growths, muscle mass changes, dental disease or heart murmurs.”
The reason senior pets see an increase in body weight is that their energy requirements decrease, and they become less active. Dr. Spitz noted that senior pets should consume a higher protein diet to maintain muscle mass. Fatty acids also are important to aid in mobility, but animals often require much higher concentrations than what most diets incorporate.
“For this reason, I typically recommend senior pets, especially senior dogs, be supplemented with daily fish oil,” Dr. Spitz said.
She added: “Nutritional needs are not one-size-fits-all, so that is where a conversation with your veterinarian is important. Many senior pets have pre-existing conditions, so it is important that the senior pet’s diet is catered to their specific needs. For example, kidney disease is common in older cats, so they may require a prescription renal diet. It is not uncommon for us to see pets with gastrointestinal disease, so these patients may require prescription GI foods that are lower in fat and higher in fiber. If an animal is on a reputable brand of food that is well balanced, then they should not require supplementation with vitamins.”
Dental Health and Preventive Care
Senior dogs and cats also contend with dental disease. Since they aren’t brushing like humans do, the plaque on their teeth turns into tartar that leads to gum disease, infections, loose teeth and oral pain. When left untreated, abscesses can form under the gum line, causing facial swelling and pain. Teeth can also break and fall out. Bacteria from infections can spread into the bloodstream and travel to vital organs.
Veterinarians offer routine dental cleanings. Pets undergo general anesthesia for this procedure to allow for dental X-rays, proper cleaning and possible surgical extractions.
“Owners should understand that we perform dental cleanings on senior pets regularly, and age should not be the sole reason to decline this procedure,” Dr. Spitz explained.
The Big Picture
Dr. Spitz emphasized that senior dogs and cats will have more health issues than younger animals, so owners should be prepared. “Pet insurance policies are available. Owners should consider looking into this when their pets are young and otherwise healthy,” she concluded.
By Theresa Stratford
