Senior Care for Pets

Older Dogs

As your canine companion surpasses middle age, there are a number of joint or bone disorders that can begin to develop, resulting in pain and discomfort. Some of the most common joint and bone disorders in older dogs include arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, reduction in spinal flexibility, and growth plate disorders.

Addressing these issues early is essential when it comes to keeping your dog comfortable as they continue to age. Treatment for joint and bone issues in senior dogs ranges from simply reducing levels of exercise, to the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, to surgery to remove diseased tissue, stabilize joints or reduce pain.

Senior Cats

While osteoarthritis is typically a condition we think of in older dogs, this painful condition can also affect the joints of older cats.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats tend to be more subtle than those in dogs. While our feline friends can experience a decrease in range of motion, the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in older cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter tray, and inability to jump on and off objects. Lameness typically seen in dogs is not commonly reported by cat parents. 

It is believed that approximately 50% of all pets in the US die from cancers. That's why it's important for your pet to see their veterinarian for routine wellness exams as they age.

Bringing your older pet in for routine checkups, even when they seem healthy, provides your veterinarian with an opportunity to examine them for early signs of cancer and other diseases that respond better to treatment when caught in their earliest stages.

Heart diseases are as much of a problem for aging pets as they are for people as we grow older.

As dogs move into their golden years the risk of congestive heart failure increases. This common condition occurs when the heart stops pumping blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the heart, lungs, and chest cavity.

Although heart disease is seen less in cats than in dogs, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is relatively common. This condition causes the walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s ability to function efficiently.

Degeneration in the eyes and ears can lead to varying degrees of deafness and blindness in older pets, although this is more common in dogs than in cats.

When these conditions are age-related they may come on slowly, allowing geriatric pets to adjust their behavior and making it difficult for pet owners to notice.

In senior cats, liver disease is common and may be the result of high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of liver disease in cats include loss of appetite, jaundice, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

Liver disease in dogs can cause a number of serious symptoms including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss.

If your geriatric dog or cat is displaying any of the symptoms of liver disease, veterinary care is essential.

Although dogs and cats can develop diabetes at any age, most dogs are diagnosed at approximately 7-10 years of age, and the majority of cats diagnosed with diabetes are over 6 years of age.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats include excessive thirst, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections.

Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes in both cats and dogs.

As pets age, their kidneys tend to lose their function. In some cases, kidney disease can be caused by medications used to treat other common conditions seen in geriatric pets.

While chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can be managed with a combination of diet and medications.

Our Voorhees vets often see older cats and dogs suffering from urinary tract conditions and incontinence issues. Our elderly four-legged family members can be prone to accidents as the muscles controlling the bladder weaken, but it's important to note that incontinence could be a sign of a bigger health issue such as a urinary tract infection or dementia.

If your senior dog or cat is experiencing incontinence issues, it's important to take them to your veterinarian for a thorough examination.