Senior Pets

By Ben Graham

While senior pets come with a lot of advantages, there are some additional considerations that our ageing pets need.

Many of these considerations relate directly to those required by older humans. These include careful management of heat stress and cold stress. With circulation not as efficient as it used to be, as well as ageing skin and less adaptable blood vessels, older pets are more prone to feeling the heat, and the cold and as such, we must make take care not to expose them to such temperatures.

Ageing bones and joints also slow down, being less flexible and more prone to stiffness on cold mornings and injuries when bounding around. Fish oils, joint powders and a long list of available medications such as Antinol Rapid and Pentosan are available to help with stenotic joint capsules, inflamed joints, poor quality synovial fluid (the lubrication in our joints) and sore bones.

As we age our metabolism slows down, exacerbated by less physical activity each day. Our gastrointestinal system also becomes less efficient in absorbing nutrients, and our liver becomes less efficient at utilising what we absorb.

It is best then, to make sure that our senior pets are on a high quality diet, rich in good quality, easily absorbable and usable protein. For dogs, raw meat or quality senior specific dog food; for cats, quality seniors cat food.

A geriatric consultation with your veterinarian can help you tailor a management plan for your ageing pet, and ensure they are in tip top condition for best quality of life.

Contact Bligh Veterinary Services 02 4587 7177