At what age does your animal companion enter his golden years? It all depends on size and species:
- Cats begin to show visible age-related changes between the ages of 7-11 years.
- Most dogs enter their golden years around 7 to 10 years, although large and giant breeds start a bit earlier.
How Can I Tell if My Pet Is Getting Older?
Some signs are subtler than others. You may notice that your furry senior citizen’s hearing may not be as acute as it once was, his coat may be thinner or starting to gray, and he may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings. He may sleep more, and seem to tire out faster during play sessions. These are all natural signs of aging.
Check-up Checklist
It’s smart medicine to bring your older pet to the vet at least once a year. Many health issues may arise as dogs and cats age, including:
- kidney and liver disease
- more frequent intestinal problems
- prostate disease and testicular cancer (common in unneutered males)
- breast cancer and infected uterus (common in unspayed females)
- dental problems (don’t let bad breath go unchecked!)
- obesity
- arthritis
- diabetes
- constipation
You’ll need to be alert for symptoms such as lumps and bumps anywhere on the body, shortness of breath, coughing, an d any change in appetite, weight and water intake, or changes in you pet’s daily routines and habits. Note behavioral changes, too—such as increased vocalization and uncharacteristic aggression—which could indicate that something’s amiss physically. If you think your pet may be sick, don’t hesitate to call the vet. When an older companion animal develops a medical problem, it’s more likely to be serious.
Feeding Your Older Pet: How & What
Many of the metabolic, immunologic and body composition changes that your pet will go through, some of which are discussed above, are unavoidable. Some, however, can be managed with diet. Experts recommend that you start cats and small-to medium-sized dogs on a senior diet at seven years of age; for large and giant breeds, start at six and seven years, respectively.
Companion canines and felines have been shown to put on body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories, so it’s important to offer a food that’s lower in calories. Unfortunately, many senior formulas not only have reduced calories, but reduced levels of protein, too. Read labels and take care to avoid these foods, as your pet will need the same levels of protein to maintain muscle mass. Ask your vet for a recommendation.
If you do need to modify your pet’s diet, ANIMED suggests that you do so carefully and gradually. A finicky cat who doesn’t appreciate the change in routine may refuse to eat—and this could lead to the serious hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver syndrome. Try introducing the new food over a two-week period by mixing it in with the old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food as you decrease the old.
Vitamins & Supplements for Golden Oldies Only
Talk to your vet about increasing your older cat’s vitamin E intake. Along with beta-carotene, vitamin E can boost the immune system and help eliminate free radicals that can cause tissue damage and signs of aging.
Our animal friends can become less flexible as they age. Years of wear and tear on bones and joints can break down cartilage, possibly leading to arthritis. If your pet seems to be suffering, glucosamine supplements can help.
Aging can take a toll on your canine senior citizen’s intestinal bacteria, resulting in GI upsets. Fructooligosaccharides and gamma-linolenic acid supplements can promote the growth of friendly flora and help maintain skin and coat.
TLC 101
You may also notice that your older pet is more sensitive to temperature changes and extremes, so keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer. An extra blanket or fluffy pillow can go a long way to make your pet more comfortable. Be especially gentle when brushing your pet, too, and pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach places that may be difficult for your cat to groom himself. This will be especially helpful to animals with less efficient digestive systems, for whom hairballs pose a problem.
Same Old, Same Old
Your senior friend relies on his daily routine, and will appreciate your efforts to keep it consistent. Try to avoid stressful situations and abrupt changes in your pet’s regular routine and environment. Keep your home obstacle-free, and stick to your walking and feeding schedules. Is your cat’s litter box easily accessible? If not, you may want to move it to a spot that’s easier for him to get in and out of.
With plenty of tender loving care and an eye to the future, you can help your companion grow old gracefully. You and your family can make these the best years of your friend’s life—he’s worth it, after all!
