Much like us, animals undergo changes throughout their lifetimes. As they grow older, you might observe shifts in their behaviours, preferences, and aversions. Senior pets also face an elevated susceptibility to certain age-related ailments.

Here at The Ark, our commitment lies in delivering personalised veterinary care for senior pets, tailoring our treatments to tackle the challenges that impact your pet at every phase of their journey. Familiarity with these challenges empowers you to ensure the comfort and happiness of your aging senior pet.

This article delves into common illnesses that affect senior pets and outlines steps you can take to assist them.

Common Health Issues in Senior Pets

Arthritis:

Arthritis, a degenerative joint condition stemming from the wear and tear on your pet’s joints over time, can inflict substantial pain on them. While it’s more prevalent in dogs, particularly larger breeds, it can affect senior pets of any kind. Observable signs that your pet might be grappling with arthritis encompass hesitance to ascend and descend stairs, as well as challenges leaping in and out of vehicles. You may also notice a decreased pace in their movements.

Thankfully, there exist several medications to aid your pet. These include daily tablets or less frequent injections. If your pet is overweight, shedding some pounds could alleviate stress on their joints and mitigate symptoms. Should you notice any of these indications, scheduling an appointment at The Ark can help formulate a plan for managing your pet’s joint health. For further information, delve into senior pet care.

Weight Management and Diabetes with senior pets:

Advancing age often corresponds with diminished activity levels and a deceleration in metabolism for pets. Consequently, they require less nourishment and might start gaining weight, especially if their food intake remains unchanged. An overweight pet faces heightened risks of various diseases, including arthritis, an increased cancer risk, and even diabetes.

Diabetes manifests when your pet’s pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. Indications of diabetes entail escalated thirst and urination. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial. Timely diabetes treatment could lead to remission, eliminating the need for insulin. Discover more about our weight loss program.

Kidney Disease:

As your pet’s kidneys gradually falter and become less effective at filtering their blood, kidney disease emerges. Common signs encompass diminished appetite, weight loss, and escalated thirst and urination. Once diagnosed, a spectrum of treatments are available.

Dental Disease:

Dental issues are pervasive in all pets, yet aged teeth are more susceptible to plaque buildup. Plaque can inflame gums and make eating uncomfortable for your pet. You might detect foul breath or increased finickiness with food if dental disease is present. At The Ark, complimentary dental check-ups are available to assess your pet’s oral health and mitigate dental problems, ensuring their pain-free experience.

Hearing and Vision Problems:

Similar to humans, pets experience a decline in hearing and vision acuity with advancing age. While predominantly inevitable, there are strategies to help your pet navigate these changes. Employ visual cues when your pet’s sensitivity to loud noises diminishes. Conversely, if their awareness of their surroundings wanes, they will rely more on their hearing. Designating a consistent sleeping area furnishes a sense of security through an unchanging environment.

Winter has Come! Senior pet care is important!

Winter heralds hot chocolate and fluffy socks, but its chilly conditions can exacerbate arthritis symptoms in senior pets. You can take measures to keep your pet content during this season:

Sustain Regular Walks: Depending on your pet’s age and joint health, moderate exercise can enhance circulation, aid weight management, and counteract age-related muscle loss. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate exercise regimen.

Ensure Warmth: Furnish your pet with a snug sleeping space, shielded from drafts and elevated above cold surfaces. If you own a short-haired breed or notice your dog shivering, particularly during walks, consider investing in a well-fitting pet coat or jumper to ward off the cold while allowing for comfortable movement.

Routine Check-ups: If symptoms worsen or new issues arise during colder months, promptly arrange an appointment at The Ark. Adjustments to medication might be necessary, and a check-up offers the chance to guarantee your pet’s winter well-being.

At The Ark, we offer an array of healthcare solutions tailored to the evolving nutritional, exercise, and medical requirements of senior dogs and cats. Early diagnosis is key for effectively managing age-related illnesses. Secure a senior pet consultation today with our seasoned nurses to evaluate your pet’s needs and provide support during this life stage. Contact us at 02-9416-1300.