Senior Pet Care

Typical Health Problems

Because of improvements in pet nutrition and advancements in veterinary care, companion dogs and cats are now living longer than they ever have before. 

While this is certainly something to be celebrated, pet owners and veterinarians now face more age-related conditions than they did in the past as well.

Senior pets are typically prone to the following conditions:

• Joint or bone disorders

  Senior Dogs

  As your dog reaches their golden years, there are a number of joint or bone disorders that can result in pain and discomfort. Some of the most common joint and bone disorders in geriatric pets that our veterinarians see include arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, reduction in spinal flexibility, and growth plate disorders.

  Addressing these issues early is essential for keeping your dog comfortable as they continue to age. Treatment for joint and bone issues in senior dogs ranges from simply reducing levels of exercise, to the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, to surgery to remove diseased tissue, stabilize joints or reduce pain.

  Senior Cats

  While osteoarthritis is typically a condition we think of in older dogs, this painful condition can also affect your senior cat's joints.

  Symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats are more subtle than those in dogs. While cats can experience a decrease in range of motion, the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in geriatric cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter pan, and inability to jump on and off objects. Lameness typically seen in dogs is not commonly reported by cat owners. 

• Cancer

  It's important for your senior pet to visit the vet for routine wellness exams as they age.

  Bringing your geriatric pet in for routine checkups, even when they seem healthy, allows your veterinarian to examine them for early signs of cancer and other diseases which respond better to treatment when caught in their earliest stages. 

• Heart Disease

  Like people, heart disease can be a problem for geriatric pets.

  Senior dogs will often suffer from congestive heart failure, which happens when their heart isn't able to effectively pump their blood. This causes fluid backup in their lungs, chest cavity and heart.

  While heart disease is seen less in cats than in dogs, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is relatively common. This condition causes the walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s ability to function efficiently.  

• Blindness and hearing loss

  Degeneration in the eyes and ears can lead to varying degrees of deafness and blindness in older pets, although this is more common in dogs than in cats.

  When these conditions are age-related they may come on slowly, allowing geriatric pets to adjust their behaviour and making it difficult for pet owners to notice. 

• Liver disease

  Liver disease is quite common in senior cats and can be attributed to hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. Some of the symptoms of liver failure include jaundice, drooling, loss of appetite, increased thirst and diarrhea. 

  Liver disease in dogs can cause a number of serious symptoms including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss.

  If your geriatric dog or cat is displaying any of the symptoms of liver disease, veterinary care is essential.

• Diabetes

  Although dogs and cats can develop diabetes at any age, most dogs are diagnosed at approximately 7-10 years of age and the majority of cats diagnosed with diabetes are over six years of age.

  Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats include excessive thirst, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections.

  Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes in both cats and dogs.  

• Kidney disease

  As pets age, their kidneys tend to lose their function. In some cases, kidney disease can be caused by medications used to treat other common conditions seen in geriatric pets.

  While chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can be managed with a combination of diet and medications.  

• Urinary tract disease

  At The Landing Veterinary Hospital, we often see geriatric dogs and cats suffering from conditions related to the urinary tract and issues with incontinence. Senior pets can be prone to accidents, as they lose control of the muscles which control their bladders. However, incontinence can be a sign of larger health issues too, such as dementia or urinary tract infections. 

  If your senior pet experiences incontinence issues it's important to take your geriatric dog or cat to the vet for a thorough examination.

Veterinary Care for Seniors

Our vets will conduct a comprehensive examination of your senior pet, inquire about the details of their home life and perform any required tests in order to receive any additional insights into their physical health or condition.

Based on the findings, we'll recommend a treatment plan that can potentially include medications, activities and dietary changes that may help improve your senior pet's health, well-being and comfort.