Caring for senior pets

You may notice that your seven year-old wolfhound can't hear as well as he used to, and it seems to be taking him longer to get up in the mornings. Or perhaps you've noticed that your 11-year-old tabby has added some extra cat naps to her routine and her coat's thinning out. This is perfectly natural, as dogs and cats begin to show visible age-related changes at about seven to 12 years of age. There are metabolic, immunologic, and body composition changes, too. While many of these changes are unavoidable, some can be managed with regular veterinary care and diet.

Yearly older dog and cat health care

When an older pet develops a medical problem, it's more likely to be serious, so experts recommend that you take your four-legged friend to the vet at least twice a year. As with people, old age may bring increasing problems for pets, including arthritis, kidney and liver disease, constipation, dental problems and cancer. Prostate disease and testicular cancer are common in older unneutered males, and older unspayed females can get breast cancer and infected uteruses. Neutered dogs can also have diseases that affect their prostate and spayed females can have breast cancer.  Be alert for the following symptoms, and consult your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary:

• Lumps or bumps
• Shortness of breath 
• Coughing
• Marked change in appetite, weight, or daily routine
• Excessive thirst
• Bad breath
• Exercise intolerance
• Weight loss
• Decreased interest in food
• Lameness
• Behavior changes

What's for dinner at your pet's house?

On the advice of your veterinarian, you may need to modify your older pet's diet. Most experts recommend that you start your cat on a senior diet at about seven years of age (it is important not to pick a senior diet that is low in protein!). With dogs, size is used to determine when it's time to switch:

    * Small and medium breeds and breed mixes (up to 50 pounds)—7 years of age
    * Large breeds and breed mixes (51-90 pounds)—6 years of age
    * Giant breeds (91 pounds or more)—5 years of age

Older companion animals have been shown to put on body fat, even though they may consume fewer calories. Most "senior pets" will do best on a reduced-calorie diet, but it's best to avoid a formula with reduced levels of protein. Studies suggest that the protein requirement for dogs and cats does not decrease with age, so you'll want to ensure that Max maintains muscle mass with normal protein levels. If you're unsure about what to feed, don't hesitate to ask your vet.

Older dog and cat care may include supplements

You also might want to talk to your veterinarian about increasing your old friend's vitamin E intake. Studies have found that increasing this important vitamin in cats older than seven can increase their antibody levels back to those seen in younger felines! And along with beta-carotene, vitamin E can help eliminate free radicals that can lead to tissue damage and signs of aging, and can increase the effectiveness of your pet's immune system.

Aging can also take its toll on your senior dog's intestinal bacteria, resulting in GI upsets. If your pet's food doesn't contain fructooligosaccharides to promote the growth of friendly flora, or gamma-linoleic acid to help maintain skin and coat, ask the vet to recommend good supplements that contain these nutrients. Mirra-Coat O3 made with organic oils such as flaxseed is a healthy choice.

The same old, same old

In general, try to avoid making dramatic changes in your older pet's routine and environment. Keep your home obstacle-free, and make sure your cat's litterbox and food dishes are easily accessible. Make sure to remind everyone in the family to be extra considerate of your pet.

The comfort zone

You should also know that older animals are more sensitive to temperature changes and extremes, so keep your pet warm in winter and cool in summer. We'll bet your pet would really appreciate a heated bed, which can soothe tired muscles and joints and encourage circulation. There are also beds with cooling abilities to keep your companion comfortable in the warmer months.

Older dog and cat care: Proper grooming is essential

You can also help your pet with regular grooming. Pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach places that may be difficult for your dog or cat to get to. This will especially benefit felines with less efficient digestive tracts, for whom hairballs present a problem and can cause constipation.

With plenty of tender loving care and an eye to the future, you can help your companion grow old gracefully.