 GENERAL
What age does a pet become senior? A dog or cat over the age of
7 years is generally considered a senior pet and can start to slow
down. Often, senior pets begin to develop diseases common to their
senior human counterparts, such as diabetes, heart disease, endocrine
disease, cancer and arthritis. These can go unnoticed in their early
stages; therefore preventative health care is very important. If
left undetected, many diseases can put our pet's health at risk.
The best approach to caring for your senior pet includes preventative
diagnostics such as a Check up twice yearly and an annual blood
test.
Because you know your pet better than anyone we would like you to
fill in the check list below to see if your pet needs a check up.
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CHECK
LIST
(1)
Is your pet drinking a large amount of water on a daily basis
(2)
Reluctant to walk or play
(3)
Experiencing difficulty climbing stairs
(4)
Limping or stiff
(5) Difficulty in getting up after resting |
(6)
Changes in character or aggression
(7) Change in toilet behaviour
(8)
Reduced appetite
(9)
Bad breath
(10)
Dull coat |
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DIET
As our pets age, their dietary requirements change considerably.
Knowing what to feed your dog or cat as they enter their senior
years is the key to a healthier, happier more agile pet. At the
Floreat Vet Centre we have a range of diets specially formulated
for your senior pet and a loyalty program rewarding with a FREE
bag every 10th purchase (on Eukanuba diets only).
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ARTHRITIS
The most common cause of impaired mobility is arthritis. Arthritis
is a degenerative joint disease whereby pain and stiffness develops
as a result of wear and tear of the joints involved. In the normal
joint, the bone surfaces, which meet and rub together, are covered
by a thin layer of cartilage - an elastic substance acting as a
self-repairing, shock absorbing layer, which allows smooth movement
of the filled with synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant and
provides the joint with nutrition. Wear and tear, which occurs throughout
life, may reach bone and leading to pain and/or impaired movement.
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