Since pets grow up so rapidly and then plateau for several years, the longest life stage is actually the senior or geriatric lifestage. As most pets become seniors around the age of 6 or 7 years old, and potentially live near or well past 15, the senior life stage is of crucial importance. With strategies to maintain optimal health, senior pets can enjoy continued comfort, mobility, and flexibility. However, most senior pets do experience some level of pain and discomfort that can affect their behavior.
Subtle Signs of Aging
If you’ve been with your pet for many years, it can take time to fully recognize signs of aging. You might see a gradually graying muzzle, longer naps, a stiffer, slower gait, or maybe some reluctance to jump up into the car or onto the couch. Many senior pets also experience shifts in their appetite, and become choosier at meal time (sometimes because of dental pain).
The truth is, getting older can present certain health challenges for our furry friends. The changing needs of our older patients remain central to our treatment plans. Our approach to senior pet care involves at least two yearly appointments that help us stay in front of, and support, any age-related problems, including:
- Arthritis
- Dental disease
- Kidney disease
- Degenerative disc disease
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Vision or hearing loss
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Urinary incontinence
- GI disease
- Liver disease
What’s Normal, What’s Not
There are many signs of aging that are considered normal, but it can be difficult to distinguish symptoms related to illness or the aging process. Pain can be part of the experience, depending on the pet’s health history and lifestyle, and can present the following red flags:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Limping
- Tremors or shaking
- Panting
- Inappetence and weight loss
- Restlessness
- Whining or other vocalization
- Hiding, social withdrawal, or sleeping more than usual
- Sudden changes in grooming habits (either overgrooming/licking or undergrooming)
- Sensitivity to touch
While pain can simply be a signal, it doesn’t have to be a huge part of your senior pet’s life. With certain medications, lifestyle adjustments, nutritional supplements, laser therapy, and more, we can treat pain. In turn, senior pets enjoy a high quality of life and may even experience greater longevity.
Err on the Side of Caution
Some problems that affect senior pets can escalate quickly if not addressed right away. If you even have a sliver of doubt regarding their typical behavioral patterns, please call us at (404) 633‑6163. It is always better to rule things out before certain symptoms get out of hand. Our veterinarians are always here to help at Clairmont Animal Hospital.