by Dr. Jennifer Bailey
I confess, I am a sucker for a greying face and kind eyes. I consider myself a connoisseur of senior pets, as the last two dogs I have adopted have been over the age of seven. As such, I have become well versed not only professionally, but also personally, in the needs of my senior family members. It’s hard to believe, but after the age of seven, dogs are considered seniors and can have changing health requirements. Keeping our aging friends as comfortable and healthy as possible is the number one priority for us at Gentle Care Animal Hospital in Raleigh, NC. You should discuss your individual dog’s needs with your veterinarian, but here are a few general recommendations.
Twice yearly examinations are recommended for pets over seven, so that any changes in your pet’s health can be identified as soon as possible. Early identification is often associated with more positive outcomes of many senior ailments. During your dog’s bi-annual wellness exam, your veterinarian will likely recommend screening bloodwork. These laboratory tests help provide more detailed information about your dog’s organ function, something that can’t be seen, heard, or felt during the exam. Even normal results can be very useful in the future. Your veterinarian will use the results to look for trends even within normal ranges. The values also serve as an individual baseline for your pet, which could be useful if they are sick in the future. Other tests, such as those to screen for tear production, blood pressure, or more detailed tests for organ function, may be recommended based on your pet’s physical exam and initial lab work.
Margaret Proctor’s Lucy
Dietary changes can also be important for your senior friend. Many senior formulas are lower in sodium. Low sodium diets can help in reducing blood pressure and can be important in pets with kidney disease or heart disease. It is also helpful to have your senior dog on a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve signs of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome as well as reduce inflammation in joints, skin, and improve heart health. Senior diets are often lower in calories to ensure that our friends keep their waistlines trim. Keeping seniors at an appropriate weight is important in order to avoid unnecessary strain on joints which may already be showing signs of arthritis.
Although your dog may not act like a senior, there are a few behaviors that you should watch for. Dogs can calm down as they age, but slowing down is a different story. If you see that your friend is reluctant to go as far on walks, go up steps, walk on slick flooring, or jump into the car or on the bed they may be trying to tell you something. Dogs with arthritis will often show these symptoms and it’s up to us to see the signs. Coughing or a faster respiratory rate is also something to report to your veterinarian. Other symptoms that should draw your attention include increased water intake, increased urination, appetite changes, and excessive panting. Although these could be normal changes with other causes, they can also be symptoms of some diseases that occur more commonly in middle age to senior pets. Many of our senior screening bloodwork tests will help catch these diseases early.
A pet’s senior years can be some of the best in his or her life. Following some simple guidelines can help make those years as long and healthy as possible. Give your senior pets a great big hug and enjoy those grey faces for as long as possible.