A FOCUS ON SENIOR CARE

Winter can be especially hard on older pets, particularly those with arthritis.  As pets age, they also tend to suffer in silence with painful dental problems.  That is why we are extending our Senior Wellness Campaign in conjunction with our Dental Health Awareness Campaign.

A touch of gray around the muzzle, increasing cloudiness in the eyes and a less-frisky gait are some of the more obvious physical changes you might see in your senior dog or cat. Other changes may be more subtle. It takes a watchful eye to recognize what may be early signs of disease or health problems. 

General Signs of Medical Problems in Mature Pets:  

• Sustained, significant increase in water consumption or urination 
• Sudden weight loss or gain  
• Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than two days 
• Significant increase in appetite  
• Repeated vomiting  
• Diarrhea lasting over three days  
• Difficulty in passing stool or urine  
• Change in housebreaking  
• Lameness lasting more than five days or lameness in more than one leg 
• Noticeable decrease in vision  
• Open sores or scabs on the skin that persist for more than one week
• Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than two days  
• Increasing size of the abdomen  
• Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping  
• Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized)  
• Excessive panting  
• Inability to chew dry food  
• Blood in stool or urine  
• Sudden collapse or bout of weakness  
• A seizure (convulsion)  
• Persistent coughing or gagging  
• Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest    

Here are 9 steps for keeping your mature pet healthy:

Visit a veterinarian for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet's health.

1.      As your pet approaches senior status, a veterinarian may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.

2.     Note changes in behavior or appearance and see a veterinarian. Treat simple medical problems, such as incessant ear-scratching, immediately. A trip to the veterinarian can get problems under control early, before they become major problems requiring more extensive treatment.  

3.      Switch to a quality senior food that provides enhanced levels of key nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene, plus gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid important to skin and coat health. Consult a veterinarian for the appropriate senior diet for your pet.  

4.      Have your pet's teeth checked and cleaned if necessary and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home.

5.      Provide moderate exercise. This will help with weight control and keep muscles toned.  

6.      Talk with a veterinarian if your dog or cat tires easily or has trouble breathing.

7.      Groom your senior pet at least once each week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites and foul-smelling ears or discharge. Older pets may need to be bathed with medicated or moisturizing shampoo.  

8.      Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.  

9.      If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask a veterinarian about having this done to avoid tumors of the mammary or prostate glands.  

Please call us today at 801-489-6369 for the full 19-page Report

or email familypet@qwestoffice.net