{"id":2277,"date":"2023-10-02T07:34:26","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T14:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=2277"},"modified":"2024-07-31T18:52:31","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T01:52:31","slug":"a-guide-to-managing-health-issues-in-aging-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/a-guide-to-managing-health-issues-in-aging-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Managing Health Issues in Aging Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The aging process is different for every individual pet, and depends on their breed, size, and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens become adults around the age of one, and then enter their senior years between 7-8 years old. Since many pets live well beyond their 10th birthday, the senior years are the longest life stage. Senior pet care is fairly straightforward, but there are some important considerations to support their comfort, mobility, and longevity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Changing Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just as you wouldn\u2019t feed a puppy or kitten food intended for adults or senior pets, aging animals have specific dietary needs that support overall health. We can customize a senior pet diet that is not only appetizing for picky eaters, but delivers all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for your pet\u2019s life stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s See Those Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s true, the majority of pets over three years old have at least one stage of periodontal disease<\/a>. It is preventable with regular teeth brushing and routine dental cleanings, but some pets are at higher risk of dental disease. Many senior pets face broken, cracked, or missing teeth, painful, bleeding, or swollen gums, and secondary infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior pet dental care<\/a> is a priority, and has the potential to reduce other health complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping Trim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As pets age they start to slow down. Without the expenditure of calories they\u2019re still consuming, weight gain is a common issue in senior pets. Be sure to carefully measure portions, and inspire your pet to move every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Added weight can put extra pressure on already inflamed joints. Arthritis is a common issue in senior pets, and can be managed with nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and medication. Keeping them trim and active every day can mitigate symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why It Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obesity can also increase a senior pet\u2019s risk of developing diabetes mellitus. While some breeds are genetically predisposed to diabetes, many develop the condition in their senior years if they are overweight. While diabetes can be managed, pet owners can reduce the risk by providing an age-appropriate diet and daily exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Pet Wellness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As pets age, we increase their wellness exams<\/a> from once a year to twice annually. This helps us detect issues before they become too difficult or expensive to treat. With the use of routine blood work, urinalysis, and thyroid tests, we can pivot towards an effective plan that preserves senior health. Senior pet blood work<\/a> looks at organ function, anemia, dehydration, thyroid function, infection and more. Ultrasounds and X-rays can also provide insight into what\u2019s happening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common senior pet diseases include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n