Caring For The Senior Pet (courtesy of NJVMA.org)

Does it seem like just yesterday when you brought that new puppy or kitten into your life? Just like children, puppies and kittens grow right before our eyes. Sometimes it is hard to believe that your pet is all grown up and has now entered his middle to senior years. The good news is that our pets are living longer, happier lives thanks to advances in medical care and nutrition. And you, as the pet owner, can take a very active role in ensuring your pet's good health well into his "golden years."

While every individual matures at his or her own rate, there are some general guidelines that "define" a senior pet. Many veterinarians (including the American Association of Feline Practitioners) recommend instituting a special senior wellness care program when a cat reaches between 7 to 10 years of age. The age to implement senior wellness programs in dogs varies depending on the breed - giant breeds such as Great Danes will need to enter the program at a much earlier age, such as 6-7 years of age, compared to small breed dogs, such as toy poodles, which may not be considered a senior until about 9-12 years of age.

Senior wellness programs do not differ from our own health care requirements. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a complete physical examination every 6 to 12 months. This will enable him to pick up potential health problems at an earlier stage when the condition is more likely to be treatable. In addition to routine healthcare such as vaccinations, parasite prevention and dental care, your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests and a urine sample. With just a small amount of blood and urine, your veterinarian can obtain very important information about the function of many of your pet's internal organs including the kidneys and liver. In addition, he can screen for diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, and other common conditions that are seen in older pets.

As a pet owner, you are an integral part of your pet's health care team. Veterinarians depend on you to observe your pet's habits and condition and report any changes. Try and monitor your pet's appetite and water intake, note any changes in body weight or activity level, including changes in sleeping patterns. Check for lumps & bumps on his body or any unusual sores or odors. Check his teeth regularly. Let your veterinarian know if your pet has any changes in his "toilet habits" such as urinating more frequently, not using the litter box, or straining to urinate or defecate, etc. Contact your veterinarian if your pet starts to cough, sneeze, vomit, or has any changes in bowel movements. Feel free to ask your veterinarian about nutritional recommendations to maintain a healthy body weight.

Some people are surprised to learn that pets are afflicted with many of the same ailments as humans. And just like the advances in human health care, veterinarians have many new ways of treating our aging pets, keeping them comfortable, and maintaining their quality of life. With the assistance of your veterinarian, you and your pet can enjoy more quality time together through the senior years.