Our pets’ bodies alter in the same manner we change our own as we get older. Veterinarians and medical records could utilize the term “geriatric” to refer to older pets. The felines and canines are considered senior citizens when they reach seven.
What are the causes behind these ailments?
This will be determined by different factors, one of which is the breed, size, and weight of your animal. Larger breeds have an increased likelihood of aging faster than smaller breeds. If you have an older dog, such as a Great Dane, or a Maine coon, you must note the most frequent diseases that affect senior pets.
Visual and Auditory Impairment
Your pet’s old age can cause hearing or vision problems. Your pet may suffer from an eye problem if it starts to bump into objects that fall or develops redness or blurred eyes. Unruly behavior, anxiety, or changes in behavior could indicate that your pet is losing his hearing.
While deafness and blindness are usually irreparable, you can still help your pet in a few ways. Avoid moving furniture or putting up obstacles around your home. Training your pet to use hand signals will assist you in communicating with them when their hearing loss has become more severe.
Kidney Problems
The kidneys filter waste and help keep the body in equilibrium. Toxins build up in the body if dysfunctional, leading to kidney malfunction. This could be caused by old age or kidney stones that block obstructions in the urinary tract.
Your pet is likely suffering from a kidney stone if you notice an increase in his intake of water as well as the frequency of urination or incidence of accidents around the house. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your pet suffers from kidney illness. Early detection of kidney disease may increase the chances of your pet being healthy and living a long life.
Dysfunction of Cognitive Function
Cognitive dysfunction symptoms in pets could be similar to senility in humans. Unusual aggressive behavior, increased meowing or barking, and confusion is all signs. Changes in personality, memory loss or repetitive behaviors may be seen. Talk to your vet at the Mechanicsburg veterinary clinic when your pet displays any of these signs.
Dental Illness
It is essential to adhere to regular dental hygiene to prevent issues like periodontal disease. If you’re planning to create an established routine for your pet, it’s best to seek advice from veterinarian assistance. Drooling, bad breath, gum inflammation, and loose and swollen teeth are all signs of dental disease in your cat or dog.
Dental and gum damage can cause decreased appetite, infection or cardiovascular conditions, and possibly kidney disease. But good oral hygiene and periodic examinations can ensure your pet’s oral health into old age.
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis is one of the major causes of the misery of pets suffering from joint pain. While arthritis is not a cure, it can be treated with treatment and nutrition to lessen the symptoms and stop further damage. The signs include limping and fear of stairs, trouble getting up and moving about, pain that is apparent when picked up, licking or chewing at the painful joint, and irritability. See your vet about how to treat your pet’s joint pain best when it’s impacting its quality of life.
Heart Issues
Senior dogs and cats are more susceptible to heart diseases. Cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease, is among cats’ most prevalent heart illnesses. Blood circulation is affected in dogs with congestive heart failure. Coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and vomiting are all symptoms of heart disease. You should see a veterinary internal medicine immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Bumps and Lumps
While older pets are more likely to develop lumps or bumps, not all cancerous. Keep an eye out for the appearance of weight loss, slow-healing sores, diarrhea, constipation, or sores. If you spot a new lump, have it checked for any signs of infection as soon as you can. Make sure to check your pet’s health regularly so that you can detect cancers earlier and increase your pet’s chances of treatment success. Preventive care is still one of the best medicine to prevent unwanted sickness in the near future.
