Looking after pets takes a lot of commitment and devotion – and as they age, this can increase as they may need more of our help. But by keeping a close eye on them and supporting their additional needs, our pets can continue to lead happy and healthy lives well into their golden years.
“It’s incredibly common for our pets to start to slow down as they reach their senior years,” says PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “However, it’s important pet owners don’t dismiss signs of disease as inevitable parts of ageing. Stiffness, tiredness and changes to eating, drinking and toileting habits are just some of the symptoms that may mean there’s a problem and it’s important to speak to your vet to see what you can do to alleviate symptoms and help your pet.”
In older pets, there are some signs that it’s good to keep an eye out for:
· Stiffness when standing up or walking, limping or the way in which they move in general may look uncomfortable.
· Loss of confidence (taking longer or hesitating to jump up or down from steps or furniture).
· Changes in weight or body shape (i.e. unexplained loss or gain).
· Changes in energy levels (most often tiredness, but an unusual increase in activity can also be a sign of illness).
· Changes in appetite (most often off their food, but being ravenous all the time is also a sign).
· Drinking more.
· Changes to toileting habits (e.g. incontinence, constipation or diarrhoea, going to the toilet more than usual or toileting in unusual places).
· Bad breath or sweet-smelling breath.
· New lumps, bumps or swellings.
· Unusual discharge from the eyes, nose or back end.
· Seeming confused.
· Barking or meowing at night.
· Eye changes; looking cloudy, bulging or discolouration.
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, no matter what their age, it is worth getting them checked by a vet to get any health problems treated. Treatments and management can include medication or surgery, as well as changes to your pet’s routine, diet or environment. It’s important to remember that many pets stay very healthy through later life, but spotting problems early often means treatment is more effective.
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. It is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery. Visit www.pdsa.org.uk for more information.