As they move into their twilight years, our pets still give us plenty of love and enjoyment, but they start to need more from us in return. Older animals may need help getting on and off the furniture, better quality food, more frequent vet checkups or even specialized medical care.
How old is old?
Most people know the old rule-of-thumb: a dog ages seven years for every one human year. So figuring out your dog’s age is as simple as multiplying his years on earth by a factor of seven, right? Actually, the truth isn’t nearly as simple. Different breeds – and especially different sizes – of dogs all age at different rates. Because they’re more similar in size, cats tend to age at similar rates, although there is some difference between indoor and outdoor cats. These convenient charts from Dogster and Catster can help you figure out how old your pet really is.
What to expect
For most dogs, old age begins somewhere between seven to 10 years of age, so around that time, you should start keeping an eye out for warning signs like a greying coat, fading hearing or slower movements. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that senior dogs see a vet every six months, but you can talk to your vet about a schedule that’s right for your dog. Elderly dogs may need some dietary changes as well, requiring a food with less fat but still plenty of protein. It may also help your older pet to have smaller, frequent feedings instead of a few large meals each day.
As with dogs, the ASPCA recommends that senior cats – those over 12 to 14 years of age – see a vet every six months, where you should report any changes in appearance or behaviour in case they’re symptoms of a more serious problem. Cats over the age of seven may benefit from low-fat/high-protein food and a more frequent feeding schedule.
Growing old gracefully
Just like humans, older dogs and cats are at higher risk for certain problems, like arthritis, incontinence, kidney failure, loss of senses and even cognitive dysfunction. Family Circle magazine offers some tips for helping animals with these types of health-related issues. For instance, you can use a puzzle toy to keep your pet’s mind sharp, while a heating lamp or pad can provide soothing heat to aching joints.
If your dog’s sense of sight is failing, use verbal commands and consider taking him for a walk during a time of day when it’s still light outside. If he’s having trouble hearing, you can use a flashlight as a way to get his attention. Meanwhile, for cats who are having problems with incontinence, you can buy more litter boxes and place them strategically throughout your home.
Older animals can still enjoy healthy, active lives, but it’s important for owners to consider specific health issues that can target senior pets. Remember to be patient with your critter, and keep an eye out for any symptoms that could suggest a more serious underlying problem.
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