• By the time a pet reaches seven years of age, it has reached its senior years

• A senior pet needs to be examined by its veterinarian twice a year

• Diseases most commonly found in senior pets include osteoarthritis, gum disease, obesity, kidney failure, cancer, heart disease, thyroid dysfunction and diabetes

• Bloodwork is an essential part of maintaining a senior pet’s health and well-being

• Signs of problems include a change in food or water consumption, weight changes, skin lumps, masses or sores that do not heal, constant coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea, abnormal urination or defecation, changes in activity level and abnormal odors

Did you know that by the time a dog or cat reaches the age of seven; they have entered their senior years?  A pet between seven and eight years old, in human years is 43 to 48 years old.  A twelve-year-old dog is 66 in human terms, while at age 14 they have aged to the human equivalent of 75.

We are all getting older and, while there is no cure for old age, many diseases associated with old age are preventable or treatable if detected early.  Your pet, with routine monitoring, can often remain active and comfortable throughout its life.  Waiting until your pet’s problems have become so uncomfortable that they are easily observed by the layperson often means unnecessary pain and discomfort for your dedicated companion.

The diseases most often found in older pets include osteoarthritis, gum disease, obesity, kidney failure, cancer, heart disease, thyroid dysfunction and diabetes.  If this list sounds somewhat familiar, it should.  You have probably heard of these and many more problems prone to humans from your family doctor.  There are tremendous similarities between human and animal aging.

The prophylactic process in animal medicine is also no different than in human medicine.  Just as you should visit your doctor annually for an examination, the senior pet needs to be examined by its veterinarian twice per year.  Waiting one year of a senior pet’s life is the human equivalent of not going to the doctor for approximately six years.  Waiting can lead to reduced treatment options.

During one of these semi-annual exams, blood can be sampled and tested for a variety of internal organ functions.  The breadth of the blood tests is often determined by the pet’s age and physical condition.  A urinalysis should also be performed to detect early kidney degeneration and evidence of diabetes.  Finally, a chest x-ray can be taken and, if a heart murmur is detected, an EKG performed.  These types of monitors function as both a means of detection and to establish a baseline record of yours pet’s health for comparative purposes against later tests.

Finally, as discussed in two of my other articles, proper nutrition and dental care can extend the quality and term of your pet’s life.  Stay away from supermarket pet foods because inferior ingredients can, over prolonged periods, damage the kidneys and liver. Likewise, have your pet’s teeth cleaned at least once per year.

As your pet’s guardian, there are signs of potential problems that should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention.  These would include change in food or water consumption, weight changes, skin lumps, masses or sores that do not heal, constant coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea, abnormal urination or defecation, activity level changes and abnormal odors.