Caring for a senior pet can require a lot of changes. Changes in diet, amount of physical activity, and number of visits to the vet, are a few things to consider. The month of November is dedicated to senior pet health and in light of this we will be publishing a few posts on topics focusing on various aspects of senior pet care.

Did you Know?

Depending on the species and size of the animal, pets are considered geriatric around age 6-7. As the weather gets colder veterinarians often see an increase in the number of geriatric visits. Be on the lookout for certain physical and behavioral changes in your aging pet and try to respond accordingly. The boxes to the right list physical and behavioral changes your pet may experience.

Possible changes in older pets

• Increased reaction to sounds
• Increased vocalization
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Decreased interaction w/humans
• Increased irritability
• Decreased response to commands
• Increased aggressive/protective behavior
• Increased anxiety
• House soiling
• Decreased self-hygiene/grooming
• Repetitive activity
• Increased wandering
• Change in sleep cycles

Health problems that can affect older pets

• cancer
• heart disease
• kidney/urinary tract disease
• liver disease
• diabetes
• joint or bone disease
• senility
• weakness