Our pets are living longer and longer. Did you know that from the age of seven, dogs and cats should be considered geriatric?
From this age onwards, our four-legged companions actually become more at risk of developing conditions associated with their aging bodies. Joint pain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney failure and cancer are just some of the conditions generally encountered in our oldest patients.
During your pet's annual examination, your veterinarian will pay closer attention to aspects such as water intake, daily urine output, weight changes, the presence of masses and mobility. Depending on his observations, further tests may be recommended to establish a diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Early detection will enable your veterinarian to suggest solutions to prevent or slow the progression of certain diseases.
Metabolic Diseases (diabetes, hyper- or hypothyroidism, renal failure, etc.)
These common geriatric conditions can be diagnosed by blood tests. Diabetes and thyroid problems are generally associated with a good prognosis, especially when diagnosed and treated early.
Kidney failure, on the other hand, is an incurable condition. Prognosis will therefore depend on early detection of the condition. The aim of treatment is to stabilize the condition and reduce the rate of kidney degradation. Specialized foods are available for this purpose. The addition of certain supplements will help maintain electrolyte balance, while others, rich in omega 3-6, will have an anti-inflammatory effect. These supplements will also promote optimal cardiac and hepatic (liver) function, particularly when these organs are showing signs of failure.
Joint Pain
At first subtle, joint conditions can slow your pet down or cause him to suffer. Most dog owners, especially those of large breeds, suspect osteoarthritis and joint pain in their aging companions. Recent studies have also shown that over 80% of geriatric cats also suffer from osteoarthritis, and experience pain or discomfort when moving or jumping. If osteoarthritis is suspected or confirmed by X-rays, your pet would benefit from natural supplements such as omega 3 and 6 and chondroprotectors.
Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 and “devil's claw” are the most common natural products on the market. These supplements, especially when combined together, have chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They contain molecules found in the cartilage matrix of joints, and will have a protective effect by nourishing the matrix and promoting good lubrication of the joint. It takes around 4 weeks to see a significant improvement in your pet's condition, and the effects will continue for several weeks after administration has stopped.
If the condition is too advanced, the addition of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended. Over the years, extremely safe molecules have been developed for everyday use. Depending on your pet's activities, some owners successfully use NSAIDs on an as-needed basis. The use of omega-3 and chondroprotectors may help reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory medication needed to keep your pet comfortable.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Animals
As they age, some pets, like humans, lose their cognitive abilities. They may become disoriented, escape around the house, fail to recognize certain family members, bark or meow for no apparent reason. Although there are many other medical reasons for these symptoms, sometimes it's simply a loss of brain capacity that can be prevented or improved with omega 3 supplements.
By being aware of these conditions, observing the signs your pet might show at home and communicating well with your vet, your pets will benefit from the best care. Sometimes small changes can make a huge difference! We can't stop time, but we can give your aging pet a better quality of life.
Signs to Look for at Home
- Increased water consumption
- Increased urine production
- More frequent vomiting
- Significant weight loss
- Slower to get up, hesitant to jump or run
- Rapid shortness of breath
- Excessive vocalization
- Change in behaviour