As our pets get older, they remain the same cuddly friend we know and love but their needs change slightly. They also become at risk of a variety of age-specific conditions. Depending on their size, dogs are considered senior pets from the ages of 5 to 8 years old.  Whereas cats are considered senior pets from the age of 8.

Luckily, some pets don’t suffer from any age-related conditions and remain very much the same. Early diagnosis is key for most of these conditions. If they are identified early, they are easier to manage and the onset of further symptoms can often be delayed.

If you notice any changes in your pet’s behaviour, book an appointment with our experienced team to assess their health. Let us help you develop strategies to keep them healthy and happy as they age.

We’ve put together a list of things to look out for that indicate that your pet may need some extra support as they get older.

1. Senior Pets and Age-Related Diseases

Senior pets are more at risk of developing diseases that are uncommon in puppies and kittens. Diabetes is much more common in older pets, particularly if they are or have been overweight during their life. Diabetes can be easily managed with regular insulin injections. Insulin resistance (an early symptom of diabetes) can be reversed with weight loss and diet management.

Signs of diabetes include fatigue, increased urination, and thirst, as well as recurrent infections and slow-healing bruises. Kidney disease (where kidneys have reduced function) is also common in older pets, as are kidney stones.

The risk of cancer also increases with age, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any unusual bumps or sores on their body. Most age-related diseases have similar symptoms such as fatigue and unexplained weight loss. So if you notice these things it’s a good idea to book in for a consult.

2. Behavioural Changes

Your pet may start to respond slightly differently as they age which can be a consequence of many different things. Often, behavioural changes are a consequence of sensory loss, which we discuss further below. Very senior pets (older than 13 years in small dogs and cats, and 10 years in larger dogs) can experience cognitive dysfunction syndrome. This is characterised by disorientation (for example, getting lost in the house), having more ‘accidents’ in the house, forgetting commands, and interrupted sleep patterns.

It is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, as your pet’s memory and ability to learn becomes less effective with age. There are some treatments that can slow the rate of deterioration. Our veterinarians can help assess your pet and develop strategies with you to make sure your pet is comfortable and feels safe in their environment – for example, moving their bed closer to the door so they can go to the bathroom more easily.

3. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Just as arthritis affects humans as we age, our pets also can suffer from the condition, particularly as they get older. The most common type of joint pain stems from osteoarthritis, where the cartilage (cushioning between bones) wears out. As bones rub together, they can get inflamed, causing joint swelling and stiffness. Common signs of arthritis include limping, reluctance to move, or an aversion to stairs or jumping up onto high surfaces. Pets may also lick sore joints or become agitated if you try to touch them.

Luckily there is a wide range of treatments to treat arthritis and reduce swelling such as monthly injections or daily use of oral medication. Depending on the degree of inflammation, your pet may require a combination of these treatments. Overweight pets are also more likely to suffer from arthritis. Adopting a weight management program may put less strain on your pet’s joints and reduce their symptoms.

4. Senior Pets and Dental Disease

As your pet gets older and older, you may notice that their breath is getting smellier. Unfortunately, dental disease is extremely common in Australian pets. Even more so in the elderly population. The build-up of tartar and plaque can cause gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which can in turn lead to infection.

Other signs of dental disease include changes in appetite, or aggression when you try to touch their mouth or head. When identified early, dental disease can be managed with a regular scale and cleaning supplemented by a tooth-friendly diet.

However, advanced dental decay may mean that your pet requires tooth extractions. Whilst this may sound scary, infected teeth are incredibly painful for your pet, and so removing them greatly improves their quality of life. The Ark routinely performs these surgeries, and so can ensure that your pet will receive the highest standard of care throughout the procedure and their recovery.

5. Loss of Senses

The most common thing owners notice as their pets get older is a loss of responsiveness. Or that their pet misses their food bowl, or that their eyes are becoming cloudy. All of these are related to the loss of senses. Deafness in pets is extremely common as they age so your dog isn’t ignoring you, they just can’t hear your calls.

Similarly, cataracts (when the lens of the eye clouds over) develop with age, and whilst they initially cause blurry vision, can progress to blindness. Cataract removal surgery is possible in some cases to restore sight, however, often these signs are simply a consequence of age.

The best way to manage them is to adapt your pet’s way of life to keep things as normal as possible. Sudden changes to furniture can disorientate pets with poor vision. Keeping the floor clean of clutter (such as school bags) will prevent them from tripping over.

Most importantly, if your pet’s bed, food, and water all remain in the same place, this familiar ‘base camp’ will help them feel safe and happy.

We recommend booking a senior health check every year. If you have questions about your senior pet or if you want to book a senior health check please call us at 02-9416-1300  or book an appointment online.