The geriatric pet

 It's true that our pets' lifespans are much shorter than ours, and the aging process can be both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Watching your beloved furry companion slow down with age can be difficult, but there are many things we can do to make their golden years more comfortable and help them manage the challenges that come with aging. Knowing when your pet is considered a "senior" and being aware of common age-related conditions will allow you to take steps to ensure they remain healthy and happy for as long as possible.

When is a pet considered a senior?

The age at which a pet is considered a senior varies based on their size and breed, but general guidelines are as follows:

Small dogs and cats: Typically considered seniors at 10 years old or older. Small breeds tend to age more slowly and can live longer than larger breeds.

Large dogs: Generally considered seniors at 7 years old or older. Large breed dogs age faster and often experience health issues related to their size earlier.

 

Teeth problems:

Dental health is an important but often overlooked aspect of senior pet care. Just like humans, pets' teeth can deteriorate over time due to food buildup, chewing on hard objects, and a lack of regular dental hygiene. Small breed dogs and cats are particularly prone to dental issues, but large dogs can also face challenges as they age. If left untreated, poor dental health can lead to pain, infection, and more serious systemic issues. These are some signs to watch out for.

Halitosis (Smelly breath): One of the most common signs of dental disease is bad breath, which is due to bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth.

Drooling: Excessive drooling can occur if there’s discomfort or infection in the mouth, often due to inflamed and infected gums.

Reluctance to eat certain foods: Pets may have difficulty eating dry food, hard treats, or even chewing at all, particularly if their teeth are painful or decayed.

Apprehension when eating: Your pet might hesitate before eating or show signs of pain when chewing, such as crying out or grimacing. They may also chew on one side of their mouth to avoid using the painful side.

Weight loss: In some cases, weight loss can be the only visible sign of dental problems. Pets might avoid eating enough due to pain, leading to a decrease in food intake.

Visible dental issues: If you lift your pet’s lips and examine their gums and teeth, you may notice signs like red or inflamed gums (gingivitis), as well as brown or green tartar on the teeth. This is a clear sign of periodontal disease, which can lead to far reaching problems.

 

Eyes:

As pets age, vision impairment is a common issue, and it can significantly affect their quality of life. Pets can experience various forms of eye problems, such as cataracts or retinal atrophy, which gradually diminish their ability to see clearly. Here's how sight issues typically present themselves in older pets:

Bluish tinge or cloudy eyes: One of the earliest signs of cataracts is a noticeable cloudiness or bluish tinge in the eyes. Cataracts can lead to blurred vision or complete loss of sight. 

Difficulty focusing: You may notice that your pet seems to take longer to focus on objects or responds slowly when called or given commands. They might also appear less responsive to visual stimuli, such as toys or treats, especially in low-light conditions.

Bumping into furniture or walls: A pet with declining vision may have trouble navigating their environment. You might notice them bumping into furniture, walls, or other obstacles that they would have easily avoided in the past. They may seem more cautious or hesitant.

Changes in behavior: Sight impairment can contribute to confusion, disorientation, or anxiety. Your pet may seem more nervous or unsure of their surroundings, especially in unfamiliar places or environments. They may become more clingy or seek more reassurance from their humans. 

 

Ears:

Age-related deafness is indeed a common issue in senior pets, especially dogs and cats. The symptoms of deafness can be subtle at first, and many pet owners may not notice the problem until it is quite advanced. Here are some common signs of age-related deafness in pets:

Clinginess or increased attachment: Deaf pets may become more clingy or seek more attention from their owners. They may rely on their owners for reassurance since they can no longer hear the sounds around them. They might follow you around more closely, even more than usual, as they can no longer rely on their sense of hearing to know where you are.

Not hearing your arrival: One of the telltale signs of deafness is that your pet no longer reacts to familiar sounds, such as the sound of the door opening, the car engine, or your footsteps as you approach. They might remain calm or unaware when you come home, which is often a big difference from how they used to respond when they could hear you.

Lack of response to verbal cues: A pet with hearing loss may not respond to their name or verbal commands as they once did. They might ignore or seem unaware of commands like "sit" or "stay," even if they have been well-trained.

Startling easily: Pets that are partially deaf may still hear some sounds, but they might startle or react more dramatically to noises they can hear because they didn't anticipate them, such as a knock at the door or a loud crash.

Changes in behavior: Deaf pets may seem disoriented or more anxious, especially in situations where they expect certain sounds (such as when you're about to feed them or take them outside). They might become more focused on visual or tactile cues instead of auditory ones.

 

Dementia:

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), also known as canine or feline dementia, is a real condition that affects aging pets. Similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, it leads to a decline in brain function, which can result in noticeable behavioral changes. As pets grow older, cognitive dysfunction can cause confusion, memory loss, and disorientation, leading to the following signs:

Wandering aimlessly: Pets with cognitive dysfunction may walk around the house without a clear purpose, as if they're lost or unsure of where they are. This wandering can sometimes happen at night, disrupting their sleep pattern and yours.

Disorientation: Pets may appear confused about their surroundings. They might seem "lost" in familiar places, staring at walls or corners as if unsure of their next step.

Forgetting commands or routines: A pet that once easily followed commands or had a routine may start to forget things, such as responding to their name or following familiar commands like “sit” or “stay.”

Change in interaction with humans: Pets with cognitive dysfunction may become distant, failing to recognize their owners, or they may seek attention more than usual, appearing needy or anxious.

Loss of purpose or decreased interest in activities: Dogs or cats may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, like playing, going for walks, or eating at their usual times. Their motivation may decrease as their mental clarity fades.

Changes in sleep patterns: Pets may experience disrupted sleep cycles, becoming more restless at night or sleeping more during the day. They may wake up more often or appear confused about the time of day.

 

 Arthritis:

 Arthritis in senior pets is a common condition that gradually impacts their mobility and quality of life. As they age, their joints can become stiff and inflamed, leading to discomfort and pain. Recognizing the early signs of arthritis is crucial for managing the condition and improving their comfort. These signs may include:

Difficulty getting up: Your pet may struggle to rise from a lying position, showing hesitation or extra effort to stand.

Reluctance to jump: Pets with arthritis may avoid jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs due to pain in their joints.

Limping: A noticeable limp, especially after activity, can indicate joint discomfort or stiffness.

Irritability or grumpiness: Pets may become more irritable or withdrawn, snapping at humans or other animals when touched or approached in certain ways.

Dragging legs or difficulty walking: Degeneration may cause pets to drag their hind legs or move slower than usual.

Trouble settling down at night: Pets with arthritis may find it hard to get comfortable at night, shifting positions frequently or having trouble resting.

 

Heart disease:

Degenerative valve disease is indeed common in small breed dogs, especially as they age. This condition occurs when the heart's valves start to break down or leak, leading to a disruption in the normal flow of blood through the heart. Over time, this degeneration can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Large breed dogs suffer from Dilated cardiomyopathy which manifests similarly with time. Common symptoms are:

Coughing: One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of heart disease is a persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise. The cough is caused by fluid buildup in the lungs due to poor heart function. The cough may worsen as the condition progresses.

Exercise Intolerance: Dogs with heart disease often show a reduced ability to exercise or play as they did before. They may become easily tired, lethargic, or reluctant to engage in physical activity due to the decreased efficiency of their heart.

Breathing Difficulty: As the heart struggles to pump blood properly, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, making it harder for the dog to breathe. This can lead to labored or rapid breathing, particularly during periods of rest or sleep. You might notice your dog breathing with an open mouth, panting more than usual, or seeming out of breath with minimal exertion.

Weakness and Fatigue: Dogs with heart disease may appear unusually weak or tired. They may have trouble climbing stairs, walking long distances, or keeping up during walks. If you notice your pet is more sluggish or less interested in their usual activities, heart disease could be a factor.

Fainting or Collapsing: In more severe cases, reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to fainting or collapse episodes. These may be triggered by physical activity or stress.

Swollen Abdomen: As the heart's ability to pump blood weakens, fluid can build up in the abdomen (ascites), causing it to swell. 

Weight Loss or Poor Appetite: Dogs with heart disease may lose weight or show less interest in food due to a combination of factors, including fluid retention and reduced energy.