Some precautions help maintain the health of older dogs and cats and ensure healthy aging
Pets are living longer and longer. However, as they age, they begin to need a careful and multidisciplinary approach to ensure greater quality and comfort at this stage of life.
Movement, digestion of food and even behavior and disposition change. It is also in this period that increase the chances of the onset of the disease – something similar to what happens to humans.
The animal may experience wear and tear on the joints, reduction in lean mass, reduction in cognitive abilities, vision and hearing. Therefore it is necessary to understand and constantly monitor the animal with a trusted veterinarian.
“Senior pets require more attention from their owners. As they age, they become more susceptible to various health conditions, making it necessary to monitor them. This way it is possible to intervene early and treat specific conditions more effectively,” explains Pamela Meneghesso, head of veterinary products at Avert Saúde Animal.
Care routine
OR verify with your vet should be done periodically. The process includes a detailed review of the pet’s medical history, tests, and evaluation of the pet’s overall health. This allows the detection of renal, cardiac and endocrine diseases, as well as the assessment of the animal’s pain, cognitive function and quality of life.
Proper nutrition is another important aspect. We recommend switching to an age-specific diet, with balanced formulations adapted to the nutritional needs of older animals. Supplements can also be beneficial, contributing to well-being and quality of life.
Some examples are: essential fatty acids (omega-3), beta-glucans, which help support the immune system, essential amino acids (BCAAs) and hydrolyzed collagen, which can help with muscle building, synbiotics for gut health, collagen type II, chondroitin and glucosamine for the joints and vitamins C and E, as antioxidants.
Implementing an exercise routine to maintain pets’ musculoskeletal mass and mobility is also recommended. However, it is important to adapt the intensity and frequency to each animal’s individual capabilities, favoring low-impact activities such as swimming, aquatic physiotherapy and muscle strengthening exercises.
“Older dogs have a greater tendency to become obese, which is why it is necessary to carry out activities that stimulate them to expend energy. In the case of felines, weight loss tends to be more frequent and it is necessary to focus on a balanced diet to ensure that the animal ingests the amount of energy necessary to maintain weight,” explains Pamela.
Healthcare for senior pets
Chronic pain is very common in old age due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, cancer and dental disease. To bring greater comfort to the elderly pet, the adoption of pain management strategies, such as the appropriate use of analgesics, physiotherapy, acupuncture and environmental modifications, is essential.
“It is important to underline that the appropriate measures must be evaluated and indicated by the veterinarian. It will be his task to indicate the best intervention, based on the specific needs of the animal”, reiterates Pamela.
Cognitive dysfunction is another characteristic manifestation of aging. Animals may exhibit behavioral changes, such as disorientation, excessive vocalization, and changes in sleep patterns.
Early diagnosis of these changes and implementation of environmental enrichment strategies, nutritional supplementation and cognitive therapies can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the animal’s quality of life.
“In addition to the measures mentioned, caring for animals at this stage by offering emotional support, affection and companionship to ensure they feel safe and loved helps strengthen the bond between owner and animal and creates new memories for both. Companion relationship” , concludes Pamela.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
