Whilst their love and loyalty doesn\u2019t age, our pets do; cats and dogs are considered \u2018seniors\u2019 by seven years of age, and even as young as five for large breed dogs, like Labradors.<\/p>\n
You may believe your seven-year-old cat or dog is in its prime, but on the inside the picture can be quite different.<\/p>
Older pets are more likely to develop heart disease, cancer, arthritis, kidney and liver disease.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately many conditions aren\u2019t evident before irreversible damage has occurred.<\/p>
How can you help ensure your pet\u2019s later years are golden?<\/p>\n
A senior health screening is vitally important for all pets aged seven and older.<\/p>\n
These days, with the new IDEXX SDMA test, vets can detect kidney disease in cats up to four years earlier than before and up to two years earlier in dogs.<\/p>\n
Early detection allows for prompt intervention which can help the pet live longer and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n
According to Dr Sheri Ross of the University of California (Davis) Veterinary Medical Centre, \u201cWith the right care, you can extend your pet\u2019s life by months, even years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ross said it\u2019s easier to prevent than treat disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor older pets, the two most important things are to monitor them carefully and feed a senior diet.\u201d<\/p>\n
With age, the optimal range for different nutrients becomes narrower, making it easier to tip into dietary deficiencies or excesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cProviding the correct food is probably the simplest and most effective way you can make a difference,\u201d said Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor at Hill\u2019s Pet Nutrition South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cA new food, Hill\u2019s Prescription Diet k\/d + Mobility has been developed after more than a decade of research.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt combines the very best nutritional science to help older pets remain fit, active and healthy for longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several small meals a day may be easier on an older pet\u2019s digestion.<\/p>\n
But avoid overfeeding \u2013 obesity can lead to numerous health problems and can shorten a pet\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
Have fresh water available at all times \u2013 older pets\u2019 are less able to regulate water balance and more prone to dehydration.<\/p>\n
Ensure food and water bowls are within easy reach of the elderly pet that may find it painful to bend, stretch or jump.<\/p>\n
Go for walks and play together.<\/p>\n
Appropriate exercise will help you both stay fit and also keep the brain active, helping to avoid \u2018doggy Alzheimer\u2019s\u2019.<\/p>\n
For further advice on caring for your golden oldie visit www.SeniorPets.co.za.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n
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