When we come across the same interesting information twice in one week from two different sources, it quickly becomes a research topic for a future column. In this case, it was a story in The Bark by Karen B. London, PhD, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, reminding us that illness in an older pet can go unnoticed and untreated if we assume the symptoms we are seeing are simply signs of age.
Harris is in full play mode after his recent dental treatment. (Photo by Laurie Thomas)
This was followed by a friend’s report that two of her not-so-old cats were acting livelier and eating better after scheduled dental work was completed. Fortunately she had found the problem in a regular checkup and the little guys were treated quickly.
Frequent Checkups
Your veterinarian may recommend you bring in an older dog or cat for more frequent checkups and tests. These exams should also include screenings for conditions like diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disease, kidney disease, failing vision and hearing, and cancer that are statistically more likely to occur as your pet gets older.
These visits may include blood counts, chemistry screens, and urinalysis. Be sure to ask if your pet needs any breed-specific tests.
Before the visit is a good time for you and other caregivers to really think and prepare to report any changes in routine, nutrition, and behavior. It can be very important to ask your dog walker or cat sitter to share this kind of information with you on a regular basis.
Many dogs and most cats are extremely good at hiding weakness and illness. We need as many humans picking up cues as possible. While you come in contact with your own pets, professional walkers and sitters have seen far more symptoms and helped families through far more medical issues.
Even a young dog like Poppy has her lazy days, but if a pattern appears, it's time to look for a reason beyond growing up or growing old.
With our last two Westies, increasing the frequency of checkups was never at issue because their allergy problems made them frequent visitors to their medical team. But, with our healthy little Poppy, we will have to keep a careful watch as she ages because she doesn’t have any ongoing concerns that bring her in for immediate care between annual checks.
Your dog may be acting appropriately for his breed or the symptoms below could be signs of pain.
Symptoms of Pain
Some things that we think of as old age can also be signs of pain. Changes in appetite, routine, getting up slowly, heavy panting, grumbling, and being a bit grumpy can happen as pets age, but these are all signs of pain as well. If a dog changes her sleeping position, has more accidents in the house, doesn’t want to play, avoids jumping up on a chair or sofa, you should make a note of the behavior and report it to your vet.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino
(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)