How to Care for a Dog or Cat in Old Age
Caring for an aging pet is both less and more stressful than raising a puppy or kitten. On the one hand, older pets tend to prefer to nap rather than climb walls or run around the house like maniacs; on the other hand, they are at higher risk for serious health problems and it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal aging and a cause for concern.
The first step is to know when to start senior visits to the vet. For cats, 10 years is usually the limit for senior status. For dogs, this varies by breed and size, but the American Animal Hospital Association uses the last 25% of a breed’s estimated lifespan as a rule of thumb. Once your pet reaches this stage, it’s time to start treating him like an older pet. Here are the absolute basics.
Make sure they can still move around (and groom themselves)
Loss of mobility is one of the earliest signs of aging in pets, and can affect their ability to run, jump, play, groom themselves, and generally do what they love. As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of changes in mobility; it allows you to change the settings of your home to make your pet as comfortable and happy as possible. For cats and small dogs, this may mean installing a ramp or a series of short steps so they can easily reach their favorite spots on the bed or sofa. For larger dogs, this may mean laying down yoga mats or otherwise reducing the slipperiness of the floor so they are less likely to slip and fall.
Sometimes pets lose so much range of motion that they can no longer groom themselves. (This is especially devastating for cats that groom themselves so meticulously.) In this case, you’ll want to bathe them as often as necessary; Your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate schedule and procedure.
Compensate for vision and hearing loss
Unfortunately, some degree of vision and hearing loss is normal for aging pets and can make daily life difficult. While you can’t change any of the conditions, there are certain steps you can take to make it easier for your pet to navigate your home and routine. If your pet has impaired vision (or is completely blind), they can still move around as long as they are familiar with their surroundings. For this reason, you should not rearrange furniture or anything else that could become an obstacle.
With regards to hearing loss, it is important to do your best not to sneak up on your pet and scare him, as he cannot hear you approaching. Finally, you should never let a deaf dog off the leash, especially on busy streets; they will not be able to hear the usual sounds that can alert them to danger, and may react defensively if caught off guard.
Watch their weight
Changes in your pet’s weight can be an indicator that something is seriously wrong, and the older he gets, the more important it is to watch for changes. Rapid, noticeable weight loss or gain can be a sign of serious health problems and a reason to visit the veterinarian immediately.
Whether it’s due to reduced activity due to joint pain or simply aging, many pets’ metabolism slows down with age. This can put them at risk of gaining too much weight, which in turn puts them at risk of developing health problems. Overweight dogs are at higher risk for many serious diseases , including heart disease, skin disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes, according to the American Kennel Club. For overweight cats, the biggest risk is diabetes , followed by heart disease and cancer.
Any of these conditions can drastically reduce your pet’s comfort and happiness in old age, and since older pets often find it difficult to lose weight, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight throughout life. It basically comes down to regular veterinary checkups, an appropriate diet and plenty of exercise.
Watch for signs of cognitive dysfunction
Like humans, pets can lose brain function as they age . Knowing the signs of cognitive dysfunction can help you spot any problems early, which is always better than finding them too late. The abbreviation DISHAAL summarizes the classic signs, namely:
- Disorientation
- Changes in interaction with owners, other pets and the environment.
- Sleep-wake cycle disturbances, sometimes with increased steps or shortness of breath
- home pollution
- Activity changes, either increase or decrease
- Increased anxiety
- Changes in learning and memory, such as an inability to learn new tricks and/or forget ones they once knew.
While you can’t cure your pet’s dementia, there are many ways to keep his brain active throughout his life. It can be as simple as giving a low-energy dog a treat from a puzzle feeder, or as difficult as teaching your cat to sit, shake hands, or ride a skateboard.
Prepare for Behavior Change
With joint pain, decreased vision, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment, navigating the world can be stressful and even intimidating for older pets. Understandably, this can lead to behavioral changes, especially vicious ones: increased aggression towards humans or other animals, increased resource hoarding or other defensive behaviors, and increased response to noise.
These changes in caregiver behavior can disrupt your daily routine and make caring for your pet more difficult than before. Remember to remain patient and gentle – it’s not their fault; they are just old. As long as you do your best and follow your veterinarian’s advice, your old buddy’s golden years will be just that.