Most Common Ailments in Senior Pets

Like you, your pet has more health problems as he ages. While some of these are common ailments for senior pets, others are more serious.

When Is My Pet a Senior?

The age depends partly on the breed and partly on the size of your dog or cat. Your vet will tell you that when your cat reaches the age of 7 or 8, she's a senior. Even the smallest breeds of dogs are seniors by the age of 7 or 8, but larger and giant breeds, like Great Danes, are senior pets by the age of 5 or earlier and geriatric by the time they're 8.

What Changes Can I Expect to See?

A common ailment facing most senior pets is arthritis. Cats and dogs instinctively hide pain, so look for signs. If your cat used to leap onto the sofa and now she pauses first, or if your dog doesn't run to fetch a ball anymore, you're seeing indications of pain. Your veterinarian can help your pet control it.

Remember that excess weight increases the pain in your pet's joints, so help him keep his weight down. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can also be useful, but consult your vet first.

What Else Should I Look For?

A common ailment in senior cats is related to their urinary tract. Whether it's blockage in his ureter (watch him for straining) or kidney disease (detectable by blood tests), this is a problem that can kill your cat without prompt treatment. Inability to urinate and kidney disease can also occur in dogs.

If your dog is lethargic, has trouble breathing and coughs after exercise, she may have congestive heart failure. This may happen at any age, but it's a progressive illness so it is more common and easier to spot in senior dogs.

Periodontal or dental disease is another common ailment in dogs. Reduce it by regularly cleaning your senior pet's teeth, providing her with dental chew toys and feeding her crunchy kibble. But if it becomes a problem, she may need veterinary cleaning and tooth care, or antibiotics.

To maintain your senior pet's health and find physical problems early, you need to examine your pet on a regular basis. Parasites like fleas and ticks can be even more problematic for senior pets than younger ones. When petting your cat, run your fingers through her fur and check for fleas; a flea comb can help too, and if you start combing when she's just a kitten, she'll learn to enjoy the attention. When you scratch your dog's ears or give him a tummy rub, check for ticks.

Anything Else?

There's good news. Pets are living longer and healthier lives thanks to advances in veterinary medicine. Common ailments can be caught early with regular check-ups, and many illnesses that used to be fatal for senior pets can now be managed with medications. (For help in giving pills to your pet, watch this video.)

Get your senior pets a regular check-up every six months, and make a complete blood test part of that at least once a year. Tell your vet about any changes in your senior pet's behavior at those visits, and make sure she answers all your questions.

With proper home care, good nutrition and regular vet care, your senior pets can avoid some common ailments and enjoy a long and healthy life as your best friend.

For help determining if your dog or cat is sick, look at Petside's symptom checker here.