Top 10 Tips for Taking Care of Aging Pets

Did you know that senior cats and dogs get gray hair? And that's not all that changes as pets age. From a decline in eyesight and hearing to changes in digestion and energy level, pets go through many of the same aging stages as humans. Here are 10 tips for taking care of aging pets. Post a comment to tell us how you comfort and care for wise old pets!

1. How old is "old"?
Cats can begin to age noticeably as early as 7 to 8 years old, although they aren't considered truly senior until after age 10.

Figuring out when a dog is "old" is a bit more complex. Dogs age rapidly during the first two years of their lives, so that by the beginning of age three, canines are about 24 human years old. After that, dogs age differently depending on their size, with big dogs aging more quickly than little dogs.

According to the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 56 to 60 years of age is considered the start of the senior years in humans. To find out how that age corresponds to dogs of all sizes, try this cool tool.

2. More Vet Visits
As pets age, they need to visit the doctor more frequently. Some vets recommend an appointment every six months, since pets can age quickly in a short time span. Regular appointments and routine tests can help the vet to catch and treat problems early.

3. Diet & Nutrition
As cats and dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Since a senior pet's metabolism can slow down, you may need to give it smaller amounts of food to make sure it doesn't become overweight or obese. Just like in people, excess weight in pets can be a health hazard

On the other hand, it's important to keep animals from losing too much weight as they age. Cats are especially susceptible to this since their appetite is integrally tied to their noses. As a cat's sense of smell declines with age, so can her appetite. In other words, if a cat can't smell her food, she probably won't be interested in eating it. If a cat shows little interest in food she once loved, try gently heating it up to make it more aromatic or switching to a more "stinky" brand.

Cats and dogs may also need different nutrients as they age. A vet can advise on the best food and supplements to keep pets healthy during their later years.

4. Exercise & Energy
As pets age and their metabolism slows, they may have less energy. This means they may need more sleep, may sleep more deeply, and may not have the stamina they used to have. While it's important for pets to get enough rest, don't let them become lazy. Encourage aging cats and dogs to exercise to help them stay healthy. Moderate activity is a good way to keep illness and disease at bay. Take older dogs for walks, but pay attention to how quickly and how long they can go. Keep cats frisky by playing with them using their favorite toys or introducing new ones.

5. Dental Care
Dental disease is a common problem in both dogs and cats as they age. Tartar and plaque can build up on pets' teeth and cause dental and gum disease. To keep a pet's mouth healthy, talk to your vet about cleaning your pet's teeth at home. The vet may also recommend more extensive cleanings during an office visit.

6. Mental Health
As an animal's body ages, so does its mind. A dog may "forget" that it is house-trained as his mental function declines. (But incontinence can also be a sign of kidney or bladder problems, so talk to the vet.) If you notice unusual changes in a pet's mood or behavior, talk to the vet. It's important to keep older pets feeling safe in a comfortable and predictable environment and to give them plenty of attention. Likewise, it's also important to keep them stimulated with new toys and activities.

7. The Five Senses
As cats and dogs age, four of their five senses often decline.

Taste: As animals' sense of taste changes or declines, they may no longer want to eat their normal food. A vet can advise on good alternatives to keep a pet eating.

Smell: As mentioned above, a decline in smell is particularly problematic to cats, as their appetite is directly tied to their sense of smell.

Sight: Pets' eyesight can go downhill with age due to cataracts, cloudy lenses, or eye disease. Many pets compensate extremely well for a loss of vision and may "hide" their problem until you move the furniture or put something unexpected in their normal path. Dogs that are suddenly reluctant to go for walks may be suffering from diminished eyesight. If any of these things happen, consult the vet.

Hearing: If a once attentive cat or dog seems to be ignoring you, he may be suffering from hearing loss. Diminished hearing capacity can also lead to more sound sleep and increased aggression or a startled reaction if the pet is woken suddenly.

8. Comfort Issues
Arthritis, decreased mobility, and slower motor skills impact pets as they age. Help to keep them comfortable by providing warm, soft bedding in an easy to reach spot. Also be aware of the placement of food and water bowls, as well as litter boxes for cats. Make sure that cats can easily get in and out of litter boxes. If they seem to be having trouble, get a box with lower sides. If a cat or dog is having trouble with stairs, put everything he needs on one level.

9. "Bathroom" Issues
Older dogs may need to go outside more often as their bladder and kidney function declines. Cats are particularly susceptible to kidney and liver problems, as well as dehydration, so be sure to keep an eye on your cat's water consumption and "output."

10. When is it time to say goodbye?
We're never ready to say goodbye to the pets we love, but preparing for and dealing with that sad day is one more way we can take good care of them. If an ill or aging pet faces the end of her life, it's our responsibility to make sure that she suffers as little as possible. Obviously, euthanizing a pet is the individual pet owner's decision, but not one he or she should have to make alone.

By establishing a good relationship with a vet while a pet is healthy, you'll have a shoulder to lean on and expert advice to consult should you need to consider euthanasia. Every situation is different, but the American Animal Hospital Association refers to the "five freedoms" when making end of life decisions for pets: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from physical and thermal discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, and disease; freedom from fear and distress; and the freedom to express normal behavior. Talk to the vet to determine how these issues impact your unique situation.

Grief is a natural response to the death of a pet. Try to surround yourself with supportive people during that sad time. If you need additional support, consider these resources:

• The Argus Institute at Colorado State University has grief resources for families and vets.
• The Rainbows Bridge is a virtual memorial home for deceased pets.
• The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers grief resources and a memorial section.

Don't forget to tell us about how you cope with and care for aging pets by posting a commment.

Comments

[Buddies]

Try to maintain a daily exercise schedule and offer to massage joints. As they enter extreme old age, think about modifying the routine with more frequent and easier walks.

[lissette]

I had an 18 year old mutt, she couldn't see, hear, and could hardly walk. She would wake me up in the middle of the night 2-3 times. I took her out to the bathroom, I got her a nice comfortable bed, fed her with my hands because she couldn't see. It was very hard but I did it for 2 months. Finally, she had a stroke but stayed alive. I took her to the vet and he said it was time, she was suffering because I refused to put her down. Finally I did, now she's resting, and so am I. At first it's very hard and you have guilt but as time goes on you know you did the right thing.