Caring For Your Aging Pet
In this article, we will look at the aging cat or dog and how to assess some of the risk factors associated with age. We will explore different ways to improve the quality-of-life of senior pets, and ultimately, how to know that it is time to give them the peaceful passing they deserve.
Becoming Aware That Your Pet is Aging
Most of us worry about this day: your vet tells you that your beloved companion has developed a health issue. Maybe their eyesight is worsening or their teeth can no longer chew hard food. Maybe their joints are not as nimble as they used to be. It feels unjust and unfair. But for animals, just as for humans, aging is an inevitable part of life.
From their youth, a pet’s well-being is always a priority, but there are additional ways that you can prolong a comfortable and satisfying life for them once they start to age. A senior pet’s care starts with knowing how age can affect them, including factors like displaying certain symptoms or developing health concerns.
Signs & Symptoms of Aging in Pets
Usually, a healthy pet’s age starts to show when they start slowing down. Many cats start to experience age-related physical changes between ten and fourteen years old. Some giant breed dogs can be considered senior at around six years old, whereas smaller breeds may not be considered elderly until they are eight to twelve years of age.
It is important to take note of physical or mental changes in your aging pet and revisit them with your veterinarian. Below are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
Physical Changes: cloudy eyes, new lumps and bumps, changes in body weight or appetite, bad breath, difficulty getting around, incontinence, and evidence of pain.
Mental Changes: increased anxiety or vocalization, confusion and disorientation, repetitive or compulsive behaviours, change in activity level, and forgetting commands and cues.
Noticing age-related symptoms before they escalate can improve your pet’s overall quality-of- life, and can help you better prepare for their senior years.
Signs & Symptoms of Age-Related Diseases
Depending on their breed and size, canines and felines will have differences in their susceptibility to certain diseases. Knowing how to prepare for future problems can extend your pet’s quality-of-life and your ability to plan for their care. Below are several common age-related health concerns and some signs and symptoms that may indicate that a conversation with your veterinarian is needed.
Heart Disease: Coming in various forms, heart disease arises when a heart valve or the heart muscle itself does not work properly. Veterinarians listen for abnormalities of the heart and provide additional imaging and testing to diagnose heart disease. They will also advise you to watch for symptoms such as a cough, rapid breathing, exercise intolerance, and weakness.
Cancers: Cancers are diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells begin to multiply. Any new lump on your pet’s skin or below the surface of their skin should be examined by your veterinarian. Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly but some common signs are weight loss, lethargy, pale gums, new and rapidly growing lumps or bumps, enlarged lymph nodes, difficulty eating and drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Seeing a veterinarian at least once yearly for a physical examination and performing routine bloodwork for your pet can help detect cancers sooner.
Arthritis: Also known as degenerative joint disease, arthritis refers to cartilage damage within the joints, usually seen with age or wear-and-tear. This damage can impact both felines and canines then causes a cascade of inflammation, joint changes, and pain that can result in debilitation of older dogs and cats. Unfortunately, obesity is a common cause of arthritis in pets. Signs of arthritis (as well as other joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament damage) are limping, enlargement of a joint, inability to use a litter box, difficulty standing up or jumping up on furniture.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Loss of kidney function can often occur with age, especially in cats. The kidneys have very important functions in the body such as filtering waste and concentrating the urine. When the kidneys can no longer do their job, waste products build up and dehydration occurs. Pets will lose weight, vomit, have reduced food intake and become picky eaters, drink a lot of water, and urinate large volumes. Although there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, early intervention and symptomatic treatment can lead to prolonged quality-of-life in many pets.
What You Can Do for Your Aging Pet
Your aging cat or dog can benefit from a variety of practices. Daily care and mental stimulation are just small pieces of a larger puzzle to ensure your pet lives a joyful life. Your pet can be positively affected by diet and exercise, dental care, mobility assistance, and many aspects of its living environment.
Improve Diet & Exercise
A large factor affecting older pets is their diet and exercise level. It is easy to start sneaking your furry friend extra treats when they start to get older. However, their aging joints and muscles may make it difficult for them to move around as much as they used to, and this can eventually cause weight gain. Certain pets with conditions such as hypothyroidism should be monitored and a regimented routine should be created to ensure their diet and exercise is at a healthy balance. It is important to promote healthy habits for your pet in their old age (even more than when they were younger). Regular walks for dogs and playtime for cats are essential in improving exercise levels. Talk to your vet if you are unsure of how much food or exercise your pet should be getting.
Enhance Dental Care
Senior cats and dogs both struggle to eat and to enjoy daily life when they develop severe gum disease, broken teeth, and other dental issues. Not only do they experience extreme discomfort, but it may be a surprise to hear that dental hygiene problems are a gateway to other major health issues (including issues with the heart and brain). A senior animal’s dental health can be cared for by introducing a regular tooth brushing routine, while supplementing with dental chews. With their dental care, a little can go a long way. You can also talk to your veterinarian to explore options for dental surgery to provide regular cleanings and to treat painful periodontal disease and tooth decay. Incorporating daily dental care into your aging pet’s routine may help prolong their life.
Assist in Mobility
When your pet starts to visibly slow down, alternative treatments for their aging body may be helpful for longevity. Taking your cat or dog to an animal chiropractor may help fix a small problem that could have later escalated. Alternatively, veterinary physical rehabilitation and hydrotherapy are effective ways for your pet to strengthen and regain their muscle strength and to support weakened joints. Pet massage and acupuncture can also be enjoyable and beneficial. Providing sore pets with comfortable bedding, anti-slip surfaces, lowered litter boxes, and ramps are some options to make their lives easier. Eventually some aging pets may need physical barriers to keep them safe such as baby gates to block them from steep stairs, or ramps and steps to help them climb into their favourite spots. It is important to do what you can to foster your pet’s comfort and longevity and to visit your veterinarian regularly so that pain can be assessed and additional supplements and pain medications can be discussed.
Create a Predictable Environment
We take for granted how much pets rely on a stable environment and regular routines. Drastic changes to their environment may cause confusion for pets with vision and hearing deficits or cognitive decline. As your pet ages, it is also important to maintain reliability as your pet’s caregiver. A reduction in the amount of time you spend with your pet, in their later years especially, could create anxiety. As well, relaxing on commands, household rules, and over-treating can lead to undesirable behaviours developing in senior years. There are also huge benefits to integrating mental stimulation with games, play, and even learning for senior pets. Maintaining structure, discipline, stimulation, and love in a pet’s environment improves wellbeing and reduces cognitive loss and anxiety.
Deciding if It’s Time….
When assessing your pet's well-being, the unique characteristics of your pet and your family become pivotal in guiding a thoughtful, knowledgeable decision. This involves understanding your pet's overall health and becoming clear about how you want them and loved-ones to experience their last days together. It is never easy to make the decision to say goodbye.
Quality-of-Life Assessment
Evaluating quality-of-life isn't confined to your pet alone– it extends to encompass the entire family. Before scheduling a euthanasia date, a Quality-of-Life Assessment can provide you more assurance in the timing of a possible euthanasia decision. This tool evaluates changes in behaviours, appetite, energy levels, health, and more. More thorough, professional advice can also be provided by an in-person or virtual consultation. These services are designed to help you make an informed decision about your pet’s end-of-life care.
Euthanasia that Honours Your Pet
Your pet is more than an animal– they are your companion, a family member. Instead of calling a vet, accessing a mobile end-of-life veterinary service can help you ensure your pet is comfortable at home at the end of their lives. With Peaceful Passing, you can expect:
A calm environment: Take your time to grieve in privacy. Skip a stressful drive and stay in a relaxed atmosphere.
A comfortable farewell: Pain medication and sedatives to gently guide your pet into a tranquil sleep before euthanasia.
A compassionate approach: The veterinarian will give you as much time as you need to say goodbye to your beloved companion.
In-home end-of-life services are tailored to the unique needs of each pet and their people. All pets deserve a peaceful passing: a beautiful end-of-life experience that honours them with dignity.