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| Sunday, 29 May 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Taking care of senior pets
We want our pets to live longer. But the longer they live, the greater the number of ailments that can afflict them. As pets reach their golden years, there are a variety of conditions and diseases that they can face, including weight and mobility changes; kidney, heart, and liver disease; tumours and cancers; and hormone disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalances. So, when is a pet considered a senior, you might wonder. Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Beyond that, the life span will vary with each individual, and your veterinarian will be able to help you determine what stage of life your furry friend is in. Your veterinarian is your best source for more information to determine when your pet reaches the golden years. Planning regular veterinary examinations is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to keep their pets in tiptop shape. When dogs and cats enter their senior years, these health examinations are more important than ever. This helps to catch and delay the outbreak or progress of disease and for the early detection of problems such as organ failure and osteoarthritis. With the senior years comes a general 'slowing down' in pets. As their major senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) dull, you may find that your pet takes a long time to respond. The best remedy for slow response is to keep your pet active and playing. The physical changes your pets experience are generally easier to identify than the sensory changes. As the body wears out, the ability to respond to infection is reduced, and the healing process takes longer. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian if you notice a significant change in the behaviour or the physical condition of your pet. A very common and frustrating problem for aging pets is the inappropriate elimination of body waste. The kidneys are one of the most common organ systems to wear out in a cat or dog. And as hormone imbalances affect the function of the kidneys, your once well-behaved pet may have trouble controlling its toilet habits. Exercise is yet another aspect of preventive care for your pets. To help ensure that your senior pet lives comfortably, be sure to monitor its behaviour and physical conditions and report anything unusual to your veterinarian, who can help your pet head into the twilight years with ease. Signs of problems * Increase in water consumption or urination * Sudden weight loss or gain * Repeated vomiting * Lameness lasting more than five days or lameness in more than one leg * Noticeable decrease in vision * Open sores or scabs on the skin * Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping * Excessive panting * Sudden collapse or bout of weakness * Persistent coughing or gagging |
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| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
We love puppies and kittens because they are more playful and loveable
during the early part of their lives. But our loving friends will not
remain as kittens or puppies forever. We have to realise that they will
grow old someday, and as responsible pet owners, we should take great care
of our pet friends when they are old. 
