Senior Pet Care

As dogs age, they may develop joint and bone disorders that cause pain and discomfort. Common conditions seen in senior dogs include hip dysplasia, decreased spinal flexibility, growth plate disorders, osteochondrosis, and arthritis.

Addressing these issues early is crucial to keeping your dog comfortable as they age. Treatment options for joint and bone problems in senior dogs vary, ranging from reducing exercise levels and administering pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to more advanced treatments, such as surgery to remove damaged tissue, alleviate pain, and stabilize joints.

Although osteoarthritis is often associated with older dogs, it can also affect senior cats, causing discomfort in their joints.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats are generally more subtle than in dogs. While cats may experience reduced mobility, common signs of osteoarthritis in older cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, changes in behavior, poor grooming habits, inappropriate urination or defecation, and difficulty jumping. Unlike dogs, lameness is less commonly reported in cats with osteoarthritis.

Heart disease can affect geriatric pets just as it does in humans.

Senior dogs often experience congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the heart, lungs, and chest.

While heart disease is less frequent in cats, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common condition. HCM causes the walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, impairing its ability to function efficiently.

As pets age, degeneration in the eyes and ears can result in varying degrees of blindness and hearing loss. This is more commonly seen in dogs than in cats.

Age-related vision and hearing changes tend to develop gradually, allowing older pets to adapt their behavior. As a result, these issues can be difficult for pet owners to notice right away.

Liver disease is a common condition in senior cats, often linked to high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms in cats may include loss of appetite, jaundice, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

In dogs, liver disease can lead to serious symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss.

If your geriatric dog or cat shows any signs of liver disease, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly.

While dogs and cats can develop diabetes at any age, most dogs are diagnosed between 7 and 10 years old, and most diabetic cats are over 6 years of age.

Common symptoms of diabetes in pets include excessive thirst, increased appetite with weight loss, cloudy eyes, and frequent or recurring infections.

Obesity is a key risk factor for diabetes in both cats and dogs.

As pets age, their kidney function naturally declines. In some cases, kidney disease can be a side effect of medications used to treat other common health issues in geriatric pets.

While chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with a combination of diet and medication.

At our Scotts Valley clinic, we frequently treat older cats and dogs with urinary tract conditions and incontinence issues. As pets age, the muscles that control the bladder can weaken, leading to accidents. However, incontinence can also be a sign of more serious health problems, such as a urinary tract infection or dementia.

If your senior pet is experiencing incontinence, it's crucial to schedule a thorough examination with your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.