Wellness Tips
CANINE SENIOR PET INFORMATION
Most pet owners fail to realize that pet’s age more rapidly than humans, and the gradual onset of old age problems in a previously healthy pet may be both unexpected and distressing. The object of health care of older pets is to make them feel better and have the longest productive, useful life possible. We cannot cure them--there is no cure for old age.
As our pets age, stress upon vital internal organs is likely to become more serious. Vitamin requirements generally increase, and nutritional needs differ greatly from those of younger animals. Sources of chronic infection, such as tooth and gum disease, can adversely affect internal organs and contribute to failing health.
Aging also increases the risk of arthritis, disc disease, and other skeletal problems. Many of these problems are readily detectable and can be controlled if diagnosed early and treated properly.
MAJOR HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS OVER 7 YEARS OF AGE INCLUDE:
- Examinations every 6 to 12 months are the cornerstone of early disease diagnosis.
- Annual vaccinations for: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Bordetella and Rabies.
- Regular deworming.
- Complete Geriatric Health Evaluations should be started at 7 years of age consisting of:
- Complete Blood Count
- Blood Chemistry Profiles for liver and kidney function
- Urinalysis for early signs of diabetes and kidney degeneration
- Check teeth for need of dental hygiene every six (6) months:
Tartar on teeth leads to kidney and heart valve infections. Keeping teeth clean can add 2 years to the your pet’s life. Tartar also works up between the tooth and gum causing the tooth to loosen. Ideally, your dog’s teeth should be brushed regularly with special pet toothpaste. As this is not a task performed by the average pet owner, there are specially formulated diets (like Medi Cal Dental Formula) and treats (like Medi Treats) available.
- Encourage exercise.
- Feed a HIGH QUALITY balanced diet. Prevent obesity.
** Cheap foods utilize cheap sources of protein which damage liver and kidneys.
- Wet food to increase water consumption.
- Premium foods are worth the extra cost.
- Special diets can be used to promote better health after (early) indications of kidney or liver damage
- Restrict salt as much as practical.
- Routine shampooing for proper skin and hair coat care.
- Present your dog for examination if you observe any of the following:
- Sustained, significant increase in water consumption.
- Sustained, significant increase in urination frequency or amount.
- Weight loss.
- Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
- Significant increase in appetite.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Diarrhea that lasts over 3 days.
- Difficulty in passing stool or urine.
- Inappropriate elimination in the house.
- Lameness that lasts more than 3 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
- Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils that do not constrict
in bright light.
- Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persists more than 1 week.
- Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than 2 days
- Increased size of the abdomen.
- Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping.
- Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas of the body.
- Persistent coughing or gagging.
