Caring For Geriatric Pets

By Debbie Bailey

It's inevitable. We all get older, but your pet ages faster than you do. Before you know it, that once playful puppy is a slow moving "old man," that frisky kitten a couch potato. As animals get older, they require a different kind of care. It's more important than ever to make sure they get the attention they need, including annual veterinary check-ups.

Four-legged senior citizens don't require as many calories as younger ones. It's a good idea to put them on a food-formulated low fat or "senior" diet. They need more fiber and essential elements, such as protein. Speak with the vet to learn which diet is right for yours.

A good veterinarian will explain the proper way to care for your geriatric pet. As they age, animals grow more sensitive to temperatures. An arthritic animal will be very uncomfortable in colder air. Always make sure to keep your pet warm and see that its bed or sleeping area is properly maintained.

Keep in mind, larger dogs age faster than smaller ones. Cats, as a general rule, live longer than dogs. Of course, it's said that felines have nine lives, but why take a chance? Animals are considered to be "older" around the age of seven to eight.

Your vet may consider running a battery of tests as part of a good maintenance routine. This includes: a urinalysis to make sure the kidneys are functioning normally, an EKG and chest x-ray to insure that the heart is working properly, a stool analysis to check the balance of enzymes in the body and to look for parasites.

There is blood work, including: a heartworm test (which should be done yearly anyway, depending on what part of the country you're in), a complete blood count (CBC) and a SMA. These tests show if the blood is producing enough cells and point out any abnormalities in the body.

If a problem is detected, your vet will advise you on what to do. It might involve long-term medication or a change of diet. My cat had kidney problems and needed medication as well as a special prescription diet. This, of course, requires expense and patience on the pet owner's part. As a responsible owner, you should be prepared for these situations.

So remember to take your pet for a check-up every year and keep vaccinations current. With good "parenting," you can help your pet live to a ripe old age!

Debbie's knowledge extends to many types of animals and subjects like pet care. She's a veterinary technician and has been writing for 25 years. She has been published in several nationally syndicated magazines, including Cat Fancy and a bird care handbook that's distributed through vet offices. Debbie, from Staten Island, had a column in a large New York newspaper for eight years. She also publishes a weekly newsletter that deals with pet care and related issues and is a partner in a childrens' e-zine www.4jellybean.com.

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