Just like their human counterparts, pets show various signs of aging when they enter the senior years. The only problem is their owners are not always aware of what to look for and may miss those signs—which is very crucial—since detection and prevention are the keys to both longevity and a quality life for your pet. The following are five common health conditions in aging pets as outlined in The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.

Instructions

1. Keep your pet at a healthy weight. At least half of all senior dogs and about a third of all pets are considered overweight, a large jump from the 1970s when it was a much smaller percentage. Overweight pets, just like humans, are at a higher risk for cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, in addition to joint strain and reduced activity. Look for senior formula pet foods or those suited for all life stages. If feeding a homemade diet stick with lean meats and low carbs.
2. Take your pet for routine professional teeth cleanings/exams and practice at-home dental maintenance. Feed your pet tartar control treats and you may also consider brushing their teeth. The large majority of pets over age three have periodontal disease as a result of improper dental care. Aside from tooth loss, gum disease can lead to heart, kidney and liver infections.
3. Schedule a vet exam if you notice a dramatic change in your pet’s activity level. Although reduced energy is natural in aging pets, a dramatic change could be a sign of arthritis. There are various remedies for arthritis including prescription, over-the-counter and natural supplements such as glucosamine and chondrointon.
4. Groom your aging pet regularly, since seniors are more prone to skin conditions and often have a more difficult time grooming themselves. This can also be an opportunity to look for raised bumps or tumors, which may be signs of cancer.
5. Take your pet to the vet if you notice any changes in the eyes. Aging pets can develop the same eye problems as people, including cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are very common in dogs and glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness. Schedule regular medical exams, usually every six months, and make sure the eyes are checked as well.

Tips & Warnings

• As a general rule of thumb, the recommended amount on pet food packages is rarely the amount you should actually feed. Your pet’s age, activity level and health should all be factored in when deciding how much to feed. Use the package as a rough guideline.
• Various factors including breed and weight determine when an animal enters the senior years. For instance, larger dogs enter the senior years earlier than smaller dogs and certain cat breeds tend to live longer, thus become seniors later.
• You can't normally tell if a dog or cat is in pain; they tend to hide it. Instead, look for changes in behavior.
• Never give human pain medication to your pet unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it.

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