With frequent veterinarian visits and improved nutrition, your pets will live longer than ever before. One consequence of this is the fact that animals, along with their owners and veterinarians, face a range of age-related conditions. The last few years have seen extensive research into the problems of older animals to enable them to be properly cared for. Below we provide answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding adult animals.
When does an animal become old? It depends on size, but small cats and dogs are generally considered seniors at 7 years of age. Larger breeds have a shorter lifespan and are considered older at around 6 years of age. Many people equate the age of a pet with the age of a person, which is not a correct opinion. The age of a 7-year-old cat is equal to 45 years of a person; when she is 10 years old, it is as if an adult is already 58.
What health problems can affect adult animals? Geriatric pets may develop the same health problems as older people, such as:
cancer
heart diseases
kidney and urinary tract diseases
diabetes
bone disease
weakness
My adult pet is showing a change in behavior. What’s happening? Changes in behavior can be an important indicator that something is changing in the animal, and this may be due to medical or other reasons. As an owner, you have an important role in identifying early signs of illness because you see him more often, care for him daily, and are more familiar with his behavior than anyone else. If you notice something strange in his behavior, contact a specialized clinic; it will be good if you prepare a list of all the changes that have occurred in advance. Some signs may seem contradictory to you. Possible changes in the behavior of older pets:
increased response to sounds
confusion
disorientation
decreased interaction with people
increased irritability
increased aggression, defensive behavior
increased anxiety
changes in sleep cycles
Is it possible to develop senile sclerosis? Maybe. The studies, conducted in the early 1990s, were the first to look at brain changes in older dogs that were similar to changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Research has also been done on young dogs to understand the effects of old age on a dog’s brain. And although this issue of the development of cognitive dysfunction has not been fully studied, there are medications and special diets that can help.
How common is cancer in older animals? The incidence of cancer increases with age. Cancer is the cause of death in approximately half of 10-year-old pets. Dogs get cancer just like people, cats have a slightly lower rate. Methods for treating cancer in dogs. Some types of cancer, such as breast cancer or testicular cancer, can often be prevented through spaying and neutering. Diagnosis can be made based on blood tests, x-rays, or external signs.
Important! Do not try to treat animals with traditional medicines used by humans. This could have fatal consequences. Treatment can only begin after consultation with a veterinarian.
