Appropriate Care for Older Pets
The average life expectancy for a dog is 12 years, a cat, 14. But of course this varies based on your pet's breed, lifestyle and health. As your pet reaches age seven, it's time to think about his changing nutritional, physical and emotional needs. It's good to give your old friend some special treatment to help him life a long and healthy life.
 | Keep his bed in the same place, preferably in a dry and draft-free area. |
| Dry an older pet thoroughly after each bath or exposure to rain or snow. |
| Don't allow older pets to stay outside for long periods of time during extremely hot or cold weather. |
| Provide a moderate amount of exercise to help maintain circulation and stimulate muscle tone. |
| Recognize that an older pet may have more accidents or need to go outside more often. |
| Understand that an older pet can lose hearing and eyesight. Keep the physical surroundings the same to help him adjust to these impairments. |
The Seven Year Switch
A round age seven, dogs' and cats' nutritional needs may be changing. That's why regular veterinary care, moderate exercise, grooming and proper nutrition are important.
Since metabolism slows with age, an older, less active dog or cat may need a food with fewer calories and less fat. Still you want the diet to satisfy their hunger, so you may look for foods with high fiber content, so their tummies can still feel full while they eat less.
The Geriatric Exam
While you may believe that certain changes in your pet's health and behavior are just "old age" and are an inevitable part of life, you might be overlooking conditions that are responsive treatment. That's why a complete geriatric veterinary evaluation is recommended for pets over the age of seven.
This program includes a thorough physical examination to determine if there are any abnormalities. If needed, a series of blood tests, chest X-rays, cardiac evaluation and nutritional counseling may be advised. These examinations can help your veterinarian discover early stages of heart, lung, kidney and liver disease and hormonal imbalances. Many of these disorders can be managed, resulting in not only a longer life, but also a better quality of life for your pet.
These examinations also help you learn what types of normal changes to look for in your older pet and what changes require more thorough exploration by your veterinarian. Because you are your pet's spokesperson, you should take an active role in helping to keep your dog or cat healthy and happy for many years to come.