MANAGING THE RISKS WITH AGING
What you can do at home:
- Balance your pet's activity level and food intake to avoid excess weight gain. Your veterinarian can recommend exercise that is appropriate for your particular pet as well as a food with the proper balance of calories and nutrients which will keep the fat off, if necessary. Special foods are available and formulated to ensure that intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals remain adequate, but not excessive, for health, while fat and calories are decreased. These foods include increased fiber that helps your dog or cat feel satisfied with fewer calories.
- Keep your pet's living and sleeping areas clean, dry and warm at all times. If you have several pets, make certain that the older animal has ample opportunity to eat and drink without having to compete with younger dogs or cats.
- If possible, check the mouth for reddened gums, loose teeth or unusual swellings of any kind. Check eyes for redness, unusual cloudiness or discomfort, or discharges. Check ears for wax build-up, discharges or unusual odors.
- Thoroughly groom and inspect your older pet regularly. Not only will this remove dead or tangled hair and debris from the coat, it will allow you to notice sores, rashes, lumps, parasites (like ticks), unusual discharges or other physical changes which may be hidden from view in the haircoat. To protect and maintain healthy skin and hair, your older pet will need a high quality food with the right levels of certain essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E as well as zinc to promote proper hair growth and skin cell turnover.
- If your pet's eyesight is impaired, avoid moving furniture or other familiar objects in the home unnecessarily. In general, older pets seem to do better when their lives follow a consistent routine.
- Note if your pet has regular bowel movements and can urinate easily. If water drinking increases or an unusually large or small volume of urine is passed for twenty-four-hours or more, consult with your veterinarian.
- Take your older pet for regular senior checkups, even if he or she seems to be well. A professional examination may uncover some problem in its earliest stages when it will be easiest to treat. If you notice a change in behavior or appearance at home, call the veterinarian without delay. Small problems can quickly become big ones in older pets. Follow recommendations for exercise, medication, and prefer diet. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask about the advisability of having this procedure performed now.
- Feed only the food your veterinarian recommends. Since many "treats" and table foods are high in sodium, you should not permit your older pet to eat them or any other supplements unless recommended. If you want to reward your pet, feed kibbles of the dry food they are currently rating.
