metabolic rate and activity level
Your pet's body may change in
the following ways:
- An increase in body fat - Older pets have a tendency to gain
weight and become obese. Obesity is unhealthy at any age but is a
particular concern with older animals. They are more likely to have heart
and lung problems, joint problems and are an anesthetic risk. Obese older dogs
tend to live shorter lives.
- If you or your veterinarian notice weight gain in your pet at any age, a weight loss program should be initiated. Your
veterinarian will recommend a diet that is suitable for your pet
- Do not just feed less of your pet's current diet; you may be depriving your pet of essential vitamins, minerals, protein, etc.
- Many older pets require a diet that is restricted in calories (lower in fat) and higher in
fiber, yet still provides enough protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.
- If your pet enjoys treats, not a problem. Many older pets enjoy raw carrots, a piece of dry melba toast, a cucumber slice etc. Try a small amount of any treat first and make sure your pet does not have a problem digesting it. If you are not sure whether a treat is safe for your pet, ask your veterinarian first. Please be careful with rawhide chews - as dental health deteriorates our older dogs often don't chew them properly and could be at risk for choking or intestinal obstruction.
- Your veterinarian may recommend regular daily activity (leashed walks) coupled with a diet change to help your pet lose weight. Make an appointment to talk about it.
- A decrease in the amount of lean body tissue
(you may notice the loss of muscle mass especially in the faces of many
- It's important that your older pet gets high-quality protein to supply him/her with enough essential amino acids to help minimize loss of muscle mass. The protein your older pet eats should be of the highest quality, and easy to digest and absorb (you cannot tell this from a pet food label). You get what you pay for when it comes to most things in life, including pet food. Check with your veterinarian for diet recommendations.
- A blood and urine screen are recommended to help assess your pet's general health status, including his/her ability to absorb and use protein adequately.
- Decrease in total body water: older pets
are prone to becoming dehydrated.
- Make sure your older dog is never deprived of water.
- If you leave your pet at the clinic, with a sitter,
at a boarding establishment etc. make sure someone notices if
the pet is drinking. Never take the water away from an older pet
- If you have several pets, please make sure
the older pets have a chance to eat and drink without the
younger pets crowding in.
- A urine sample assessment helps determine if
your pet has kidney disease or diabetes.
Eye changes often begin around 7-8 years of life;
senile or age related cataract formation is common in pets older than
12. Eye changes may be due to disease elsewhere in the body. For
example, hypertension can affect the eyes; cataracts may be due to
- It is important to have your pet's eyes
examined at least yearly. Your veterinarian may be able to help
the patient with glaucoma, cataracts, hypertension, etc.
- If changes are age related and not
correctable, keep your pet's environment as stable as possible.
Blind animals adjust to where furniture is located and use their
other senses to help them function happily in their environment.
Consider a child's gate in front of staircases to help prevent a
- Make sure the older pets are leash-walked
and not allowed to roam free. Poor vision increases their risk
of being injured by a car or another animal. Walking at night
with a flashlight may help older dogs with compromised night
vision. Leashes with built in flashlights are now available.
- If you notice squinting, discharge from the
eye's, redness or pain on petting the animal's head or face,
have the eyes checked immediately as these may be signs of
glaucoma or uveitis which are very painful and can lead to
Hint: As older pets with declining vision do not
adapt quickly to new surroundings, consider having someone stay in your
home with your pet if you need to be away.
3. Hearing loss:
This tends to be very gradual in
the aging animal
- Appreciate that hearing loss is
- Older dogs may bite if startled
(they can't see or hear as well).
- Warn children and others not to
go near a sleeping dog. Wait until the dog is awake and approach him
or her to say hello.
4. Loss of sense of smell:
Sense of smell is critical to
enjoying a meal
- Feed a highly nutritious,
well-balanced diet and enhance the odor of food to encourage the
older pet to eat. How? Warm canned food (20-30 seconds in the
microwave), sprinkle with garlic powder (not salt), use more canned
food, small amounts of cooked chicken, liver plus broth, yogurt or
cottage cheese to encourage the picky eater.
5. Skin and coat changes
As your pets age, their coat may
become dull and lusterless. Some dogs develop callus formation over
their elbows while others have nails that are brittle and prone to
breaking. Older animals have more skin lumps and bumps.
- Groom your dog on a regular
basis. This will help remove shedding hair and debris and will allow
you to find lumps, bumps, dandruff, etc., which may be hidden under
the coat. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, try a
- Older pets should visit their
veterinarian at least twice a year. The sooner a skin lump or bump
is found, the quicker a diagnosis can be made. Many of the skim
lumps and bumps are benign and nothing needs to be done other than
keeping an eye on them. Some lumps need to be removed and the sooner
- Many older pets require more
frequent nail trimming to prevent problems. Your veterinarian can
show you how to do this, do it for you, or you may wish to take your
pet to a groomer or veterinarian to have it done.
- The addition of fatty acids to
their diet may help maintain a shiny, healthy coat in your older
- To prevent callus formation,
make sure your pet has clean, soft bedding to sleep on.
As animals age they tend to become less active and
are more prone to constipation. Stools will become less frequent and
your pet may display straining. Obese animals are at risk.
- Make sure your pet is defecating on a daily
basis. Note if your pet has any trouble passing the stool and if so,
contact your veterinarian.
- Many older animals benefit from having some
fiber (prunes, psyllium husks or a small amount of olive oil) in their diet. Coupled with daily activity, this may keep your
older pet regular.
- Check with you veterinarian for diet
- Most older dogs enjoy a walk about 20-30 minutes
after eating (they often defecate at this time).
7. Behavior changes:
Aging in both people and pets may cause changes
within the brain. There is an actual drop in the weight of the brain and
the way it processes information. Older pets may seem confused or
disoriented. They may sleep more, lose housetraining, or become
disinterested in their environment and sometimes their owner.
- Be patient with your older pet!
- If you are concerned about your older pet's
behavior, see your veterinarian. There are medications that may
- Keep your pet as active as possible.
- It sometimes helps to leave a light or radio on
in the room your pet sleeps in.
8. Heat and cold intolerance:
As your pets age, they become more susceptible to
extremes in temperature (they "feel" the cold more so than a
younger pet and they may have a decreased tolerance to heat). They
produce less of the hormones needed to maintain normal body temperature.
- You may find that walks have to be a little
- An older dog that lives outside may need more
- In the summer, don't leave your older pet
outdoors without proper shelter from the sun and lots of water.
- Your older pet should never be left in a vehicle
in the summer (even if the air conditioner is running).