Teddy's Tidbits: Helping Your Pet Age Gracefully [INFO HUB]

Hey, why not? Considering that most veterinarians consider Fido/Fluffy to be entering their senior years at age seven to eight, it just makes sense that these seniors have their own group too.

Now, to just get organized and provide all senior pets with their very own NASP card and senior discount, then we definitely would be on to something! I can see it now --

• Pet-friendly dining establishments (early "dog" special)
• Hotel Lodging (orthopedic dog bed with turn down service and tasty treat on the pillow)
• Vet (senior pet month check-up with senior goodie bag-toothbrush/paste & glucosamine-chondroitin snack)
• Pet store (monthly special for senior pets)

What a concept! Ok, back to reality. For now, let us look at what we can currently do for our furry four-legged companions.

Go Away Arthritis - You're a Pain

Ω Throughout your pet's life maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active is important. By doing so, you will help control arthritis and degenerative joint disease in his/her senior years.

• Either reduce the portion or change to a senior formula food
• Supplements - glucosamine and chondroitin will aid in hip and joint health
• Smaller-size kibble will aid in digestion
• Exercise - just because Fido/Fluffy may not be able to walk as quickly, it is still a time to bond and burn off calories.
• Pet steps or ramps will allow your pet to access their favorite spots without causing potential injury
• Pet beds designed for senior dogs offer cushioning that relieves pressure on joints, as well as getting up away from drafts

Cataracts - Can You See Me Now?

Ω Unfortunately this is a common condition in senior pets. One way to help lessen the likelihood is maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. With excess weight, there is an increase chance of diabetes which, in turn affects the eyes, as well as other organs in the body.

Tooth and Gum Disease

Ω As discussed in an earlier Teddy's Tidbits, routine dental care is essential. The statistics show that 80% of dogs age 3 and older have gum disease! We are not talking just a little tartar or buildup of plaque, but advanced to the point of disease - Yikes! Again, ensuring your furry companion's teeth receive routine preventative care means Fido/Fluffy will keep all their pearly whites.

• If your pet loves to play with toys, you may need to switch to ones that are gentler on his/her teeth and jaws. In doing research for this article, I found information regarding an Eco-friendly pet retailer Planet Dog who has a line of Toys for Old Souls. This line is specially designed for senior pets with delicate teeth, weaker jaws and reduced vision and snout strength.

Senility

Ω As much as we hope our companion never slows down physically or mentally, this is a possibility. If your senior pet is sleeping more, appears disinterested in his/her surroundings, exhbits an intermittent loss of learned skills (i.e., housebreaking) and increased anxiety, these are signs your pet's brain is aging.

Ω Some vets may suggest supplements to help reduce mental impairment by improving brain energy metabolism and inhibit cognitive deficits.

Socialize - I'm Free This Afternoon

Ω Senior pets need attention and love too. Also, some senior pets enjoy playtime with younger dogs - another way for your senior to stay young.

Grooming

Ω Daily grooming is recommended for your senior pet as it helps to stimulate the production of natural oils to your dogs skin, which can slow down with age.

Ω Nail trimming is also even more so important to ensure that your pet's gait is not affected by overly long nails or cracked and painful nails.

Ω Routine flea/tick treatment is important to ensure that parasites are not able to catch a "free ride" and infect your senior pet. Just like humans, as pets get older it becomes more difficult to fight off infections/diseases.

Extremely important: Make sure that Fido/Fluffy have annual, and possibly semi-annual exams to keep him/her in top form.

Whoever said that older dogs slow down, probably has not met yours or mine! Stay healthy and active!

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