Topic of the Month: Geriatrics

Its tough to believe--your friend is already becoming an old guy. Doesn't it seem like you just got him? Well, don't worry, there are many things you can do to help provide your animal with many more high quality years. We consider cats and dogs to be in their geriatric years by the age of 8 (earlier for giant breed dogs like Great Danes or Mastiffs). Here are some tips on caring for your companion.

• We offer routine geriatric care for your pet. This includes annual bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure monitoring. These are all non-invasive ways to evaluate your pet for disease before it is clinically evident. It is the same concept that we use for people--many diseases develop before they make us ill, so identifying these before illness ensues allows us to manage the condition before it causes problems. Many conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and even cancer are remarkably treatable if we identify them early. We will offer these services during your pet's annual exam, but please feel free to contact us about these any time!
• We encourage twice annual examinations for seniors. Remember, these guys age considerably in 6 months. Twice yearly examinations are becoming standard for geriatric dogs, so if your buddy hasn't been in for a check-up lately, consider it!
• What signs can I look for if my dog isn't sick? This is a commonly asked question. If your dog is losing weight, changing eating habits, or drinking and/or urinating excessively, bring him in for an exam.
• Be aware of the signs of arthritis. If your animal is sore in the morning, after exercise, or is lame upon walking, these are signs of arthritis. Ask us about arthritis control programs. These range from joint supplements to anti-inflammatory drugs or other forms of pain control. Many pets with arthritis are very manageable and their owners are thrilled with the results.
• Don't forget to walk the old guy! Daily leash walks not only keep your geriatric friend in good shape, they are good for their minds as well. Animals that are walked routinely maintain their mental acuity much better than those who lounge around all day, so get out there and enjoy that walk around the block with him! This does not need to be very long if your dog is not able to go far, just frequent.
• Keep your pet trim! Obese animals have an average life span 2 years shorter then lean animals. Obesity not only causes more pressure on joints, but it predisposes animals to diabetes and potentiates inflammation in all organs, so a lean senior is much less likely to have many problems. Consult us if your pet is overweight.
• Don't forget the teeth--many seniors develop severe gingivitis or periodontal disease due to dental tartar. Brush clean mouths daily to keep them that way. Ask about professional dental cleanings for animals with tartar and gingivitis. Not only will you keep that mouth comfortable, you will help prevent many other diseases by keeping the teeth healthy. You may be surprised to hear how safe and simple this is for many seniors.

And as always, don't forget to just play with your geriatric animal. They may not be able to go as far or jump as high, but elderly animals love to play too, so give him plenty of love. These animals live to please us, so we owe it to them to give them the attention they deserve. Please ask us if we can be of any help for your senior animal.