They might be turning grey, but their last years can be golden
July is National Senior Pet Month.
Whilst their love and loyalty don’t age, our pets do. Cats and dogs are considered ‘seniors’ by seven years of age and even as young as five for large breed dogs, like Labradors.
You may believe your seven-year-old cat or dog is in its prime but on the inside, the picture can be quite different.
Older pets are more likely to develop heart disease, cancer, arthritis, kidney and liver disease.
Unfortunately, many conditions aren’t evident before irreversible damage has occurred.
According to the Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd, the society does receive into its care old animals (cats and dogs) both as strays and also as donates.
Adhering to their By-Laws, they keep elderly stray animals for the official pound period before either placing them up for adoption or, if the animal is not coping well with the SPCA environment, humanely euthanising them.
Other circumstances where old animals enter into the SPCA are when owners wish to donate them to the society as they cannot afford to care for them any longer, are moving to an area that does not permit animals, the animal is perhaps sick and they cannot afford the medical costs involved or they simply do not want the animal any longer
“We will advise these owners to rather have this old animal humanely euthanised and we will help them with this.”
Maggie explains it is important that older animal receives the correct diet as this does change as they age.
Both dogs and cats can lose teeth and this can make eating more of a challenge and they may prefer a diet where softer food is given.
It is always important to identify a pet in some manner be this by means of a collar and disc or by a microchip or even a tattoo, but older animals can become much disoriented if they should somehow manage to escape from their premises.
“Thus, it is very important that owners ensure that these older pets always have some form of identification which will make it simple to reunite them with their owners,” said Maggie.
Letting an animal go is always a difficult decision and knowing when the time is just right is never easy.
According to Maggie, the rule of thumb is the quality of the life that the animal is living.
“If they are bumping into furniture because of poor eyesight or blindness, can no longer stand unaided, have no control over their bowels etc. then it is perhaps time to make that difficult decision,” said Maggie.
“What we do ask is that owners stay strong and remain with their animals when this procedure is carried out.
“Done correctly, humanely euthanasia is just that – a humane and dignified way to pass from this world but animals, especially dogs, can become very stressed out if owners leave them because they ‘can not bear to be there’ and this passing, in these cases, is not as calm as it could have been.
“Remember that humane euthanasia is simply an overdose of anaesthetic and the animal simply falls asleep as if they were having a medical procedure then quietly passes over.
“Elderly animals have devoted their lives to their owners and we feel that it is only right that the owners are with them at the end to offer comfort.”
Maggie claimed old animals can still give a lot of love and affection and people should not be put off by the fact that the animal is elderly as long as it is healthy.
The smaller the breed of dog, the longer they can live – Maltese and Yorkies etc. are known to reach the age of 14 quite easily.
The larger the breed of dog the shorter the life span – Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes etc. are considered to be old at eight.
- Seven steps for super seniors:
1. Most importantly go to the vet for a senior health check and ask for an IDEXX SDMA test. Vets can detect kidney disease in cats up to four years earlier than before and up to two years earlier in dogs. Early detection allows for prompt intervention which can help the pet live longer and improve the quality of life.
2. Switch to a food specifically formulated for senior pets. New Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Mobility, available at vets, has been developed after more than a decade of research and combines Hill’s best nutritional science to manage older pets and help them remain fit, active and healthy for longer.
3. Have clean water easily available at all times and monitor water intake.
4. Try to make your home more comfortable e.g. easy access to a warm bed, litter tray, food and water bowls, non-slippery floor surfaces and using ramps or steps as needed.
5. Regular grooming including brushing the teeth and trimming the nails as needed.
6. Consistent, gentle exercise and play is good for mind and body.
7. Lavish love and attention.
Tell tail signs of ageing
Age-related changes start small and may seem insignificant. It may be as simple as a few grey hairs or being less excited about playtime or walks. Other ‘tell tail’ signs of ageing include:
• Sleeping longer or changes in sleep patterns.
• Stiffness, limping or difficulty rising from rest.
• Drinking more than usual.
• Increased urination or ‘accidents’.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Changes in behaviour.
• A duller coat, lumps or bumps.
• Coughing, panting more or shortness of breath.
• Appearing confused or disorientated.
• Bad breath, red and swollen gums, difficulty chewing or changes in eating habits.
NB: Many changes will not be evident on the outside! A senior health check is vital.
