When pets get old

STIFF joints, not hearing or seeing quite as well, gray hair developing around the muzzle and eyes, and the beginnings of a paunch can only mean one thing: Our furry family member is getting old.

Old age brings those inevitable physical and mental changes to our pets, just as it inevitably will to each of us. And as with human medicine, veterinary medicine makes it possible for our pets to live longer and healthier lives than ever before.

Larger dogs tend to age more rapidly than smaller dogs, and a recent study classified a "senior" as older than 8 for a medium- sized dog, 5 for a large dog and 8 for an indoor cat. The speed of the aging process depends on the breed of the individual pet, its general health and the care it has received throughout its life.

Some of the most common problems associated with senior pets are arthritis, a change in their hearing and sight, weight gain and gum disease.

If you have an older pet and you notice that his activity level has slowed, and he is slow or groans when lying down or getting up, he is probably developing arthritis. Animals with arthritis still need to get their exercise, but it shouldn't be something that would stress their joints. They might also need to start a reduced diet to prevent weight gain, and you can check with your veterinarian to see if it might be serious enough to require any kind of medication.

You can monitor your pet's weight by feeling the ribs with the flat of your palm. If you have difficulty feeling the ribs, then it's time to put your friend on a diet. Sometimes, that can be as simple as reducing the amount of food you are feeding or just changing to a more age-appropriate food.

If the ribs can easily be felt or seen, your pet may be underweight. Check with your vet to make sure that the weight loss is not related to a more serious health problem.

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and more serious bacterial infections, so it is important to check your pet's gums on a regular basis. If you notice any loose teeth or changes in gum color or tooth color, make an appointment for the pet to have a dental examination by your veterinarian.

Hearing and sight usually become less accurate in older pets, too. You might notice a hearing loss when your dog or cat doesn't come when called, when they always came before. And what you thought was your dog or cat getting "lost" in your home might be confusion because they can't see as well.

If you notice your pet behaving oddly, make an appointment for your vet to evaluate them.

Being attentive to our senior pets' special needs will ensure continued good health for them and more time for us to enjoy their unconditional love and companionship.

Dee Harrell Mooring is executive director of Pets In Need, the first no-kill animal rescue and adoption shelter serving the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support. Write to us at Info@PetsInNeed.org or visit www.PetsInNeed.org

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