VILLAGE PET PAGES

By Joy Pape, FNP-C, CDCES, Brian Pape and Nicole Cerniello, DVM

Senior Pets

We’ve known Lola for about 10 years. We often see her walking on the Hudson River Greenway and have noticed changes over the decade. Her owner, Norman, told us, “Lola will be 13 in November. She developed obesity and a kidney problem. We saw a veterinarian, received treatment, and now she’s in very good health so far. Like all animals when they get older, they don’t hear very well and walk very slowly. That’s Lola now, but she is still my companion and I love her with all my soul.”

In humans, there isn’t a particular age when one is considered a senior or old. But what about pets? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reminds us that age is not a disease and they have some great information related to senior cats and dogs. Below, we provide excerpts from the AVMA website.

When does a pet become a senior?
Cats are generally considered a “senior” after 10 years of age. Dogs don’t have a universal age of seniority because of their wider variety of size. Larger breeds tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds.

What do senior pets need to stay happy and healthy for as long as possible?
No matter how well cared for, senior pets may require more frequent visits to the veterinarian as well as possible changes in their diet and home environment.

What health problems and changes are common in senior pets?
It’s easy to spot the outward signs of aging such as graying haircoat and slower pace, but it’s important to remember a pet’s body is also changing on the inside.

Changes in activity can be a warning sign of underlying disease, such as arthritis. There may be other reasons for these causes too.

Cancer is the cause of death in almost half of dogs and about a third of cats over 10 years old. Other common health diseases include the heart, kidney or urinary tract, liver, diabetes, joint or bone arthritis, overweight or obesity, vision or hearing loss.

Behavioral changes can be the first signs of age changes due to discomfort or pain, worsening sight or hearing, and cognitive dysfunction related to a type of brain impairment. If you notice behavior changes, these may be warning signs of disease you should discuss with your veterinarian.

Advances in veterinary medicine have made it easier to diagnose and treat age related diseases. Once the cause is found, your veterinarian can recommend the most effective treatment.

How does weight affect senior pets?
Excess weight can have a major effect on a senior pet’s health. Obesity is linked to arthritis, difficulty breathing, insulin resistance or diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, skin problems, cancer and other diseases.

Sudden weight loss often means something is wrong, especially in cats. Common causes are hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), cancer, diabetes, and kidney issues are common causes.

If you notice changes in your pet’s weight, especially sudden changes, do contact your veterinarian.

Should new pets be brought into a home with a senior pet?
It may be tempting to bring a new pet into your home as your pet gets older. Ideally a new pet should be introduced when your senior pet is still active and can move away if a “time-out” is needed. Senior pets need to know they have a quiet, secure place where they can walk away and rest, undisturbed in comfort.

How will I know when it’s time to say goodbye?
The decision to euthanize a pet can be the most difficult yet kindest decision a pet owner make. Sometimes it’s obviously the best thing to do for your pet. Other times it can be hard to know when your pet’s quality of life is suffering. Although euthanasia is a personal decision, your veterinarian can help walk you through any questions or concerns you have, including an honest evaluation of your pet’s quality of life.

Adapted from and learn more at: The American Veterinary Association-Caring for senior cats and dogs.

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Tips for You and Your Senior Pets

Nicole Cerniello, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Medical Director of Greenwich Village Animal Hospital, shares these tips for you and your senior pet

• I recommend increasing wellness visits to every six months for senior pets, even if they seem healthy and happy. This allows us to pick up subtle changes on physical exams and potentially catch problems much sooner making them easier to manage. This is especially important for cats who are excellent at hiding any discomfort or changes they may be experiencing.
• Make a list of questions for your vet. Sometimes senior pets (or any age animal) can have many changes or concerns going on at the same time. It can be easy to forget a concern that can easily be addressed all at once. Oftentimes these concerns, which may feel unrelated, can be related too.
• A substantial number of dogs will have osteoarthritis by age eight, even if you do not see the signs. Slowing down, decreased jumping on and off furniture, and wanting to go for shorter walks are commonly overlooked signs. Have floors with traction or place yoga mats on slippery floors to help them rise to stand or walk more easily. If you have a large dog I recommend lifting its food bowl.