Tips to Keep Your Senior Four-legged Friends in Optimal Condition

Thanks to better nutrition and improvements in veterinary medicine, our pets are living longer than ever before. Yet despite the figure, older pets are more likely to develop health concerns, including a greater risk of heart disease and weight control. Here are a few more that pet owners can look out for.

Arthritis

You may have noticed your older pet having difficulty walking or standing up. A good diet is effective against a number of conditions associated with senior pets, including arthritis. A vet may prescribe supplements and also a good diet which contains all of the nutrients your pet needs.

Cognitive

Dysfunction Pets over the age of nine can often suffer from symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, including disorientation and confusion. Pets that are house trained may even start to go to the toilet in the house. It is important to note these pets are not being naughty; they are just getting forgetful in their old age. Again, a good diet high in anti-oxidants can be very beneficial in combatting these symptoms.

Early Signs of Illness

Older pets are at a higher risk of developing illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and thyroid problems. The early warning signs of these diseases can be subtle and difficult to spot. In addition to regular check-ups, pet owners need to keep an eye out for these early warning signs of illness in their pets: change in appetite, change in weight, difficulty moving, confusion, bad breath or bleeding gums, excessive drinking or urination, any new lumps and bumps and changes in sleep patterns. Owners seeing these changes should make an appointment to have their pet checked over by a vet.

(Credit: Dr. Sara Elliott, Veterinarian in Dubai)