FUN CORNER
GERIATRIC CHECK UP
SENIOR DIETS
SENIOR HEALTH
SYMPTOMS OF AN AGING PET
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FUN CORNER |
Pet Peeves from the Dog
10. Blaming your farts on me…not funny…not funny at all.
9. Yelling at me for barking…I AM A DOG!!
8. How you naively believe that the stupid cat isn’t all over everything
while you are gone. Have you noticed that your toothbrush tastes a little
like cat spit?!
7. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly
whose walk is this anyway?
6. Any trick that involves balancing anything on my nose…stop it.
5. Yelling at me for peeing and rubbing my bum on your carpet. Why’d you
buy carpet?
4. Dog sweaters. Hello…have you notice the fur?
3. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew up
your stuff when you are not at home.
2.When you pick up poop in the yard. Do you realize how far behind
schedule that puts me?
And the #1 pet peeve from the dog’s perspective…
The slight of hand, fake-fetch-throw. You fooled a dog!
What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
Written by Marcia Hotvedt vspn.com 5/23/03
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GERIATRIC CHECK UP |
Our Geriatric Check up includes the following:
Complete physical-checking ears, eyes, checking skin for any lumps or
problems, listening to heart and lungs, palpating abdomen for any masses
or tenderness, checking pulse rate, and also checking lymph nodes, neural
system, and urinary system.
Blood profile- Checking kidney and liver for any damage or dysfunction,
blood glucose for evidence of diabetes, and elextrolyte imbalances.
CBC(complete blood count)- detects any anemia, inflammation or infection.
Urinalysis-checking for any kidney dysfunction, glucose in the urine, and
proteins in the urine. There is also an E.R.D screen which can detect
early renal disease.
Thyroid panel (in dogs)- blood test that checks for hypothyroidism.
T4(in cats)- blood test that checks for hyperthyroidism.
Your veterinarian may recommend other tests, such as blood pressure
measurement, x-rays, e.k.g, ultrasound, echocardiagraphy, eye pressure
measurement
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Senior Diets |
One of the simplest ways that we can help manage the changing needs of our
senior pets is with their diet. Senior animals require easy to digest
ingredients for strong muscles, lean body mass and a healthy coat and
joints.
Some of the recommended ingredients are:
-Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to help maintain healthy function of
nervous, immune and musculoskeletal systems. They also help promote
healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
-Highly Digestible carbohydrates and high quality proteins aid in
digestion, and provide proper energy , and help maintain strong bones and
muscles.
-Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. These are natural building blocks
for cartilage.
-Chelated minerals and added antioxidants (Vitamin E , Beta-carotene, and
Lutein) to slow aging and strengthen the immune system.
We recommend a high quality senior diet such as:
-Eukanuba Senior Plus, Senior Maintenance, or Large Breed Senior for dogs
-Science Diet Senior for cats and dogs
-Iams Active maturity for cats and dogs
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SENIOR HEALTH |
As our beloved friends age gracefully or sometimes not so gracefully,
joints begin to stiffen, eyes become clouded, hearing diminishes, and
organ function slows down. There are also some skin and coat changes.
The breed and size of a dog often dictates when they are considered
senior. Giant breeds (dogs over 90 lbs) are senior at the age of seven.
Large breeds (dogs between 51 and 90 lbs) are senior at eight. Medium
breeds (dogs 21 to 50 lbs) are senior at eleven and small breeds (less
then 20 lbs) are senior at 12. Cats are viewed at being senior around 11
or 12. There are many factors that can affect our pets aging; proper diet,
activity level, weight, and environment. Spaying and neutering can also
affect longevity.
The most recognizable signs of aging for our pets are difficulty climbing
stairs and getting up in the morning. Hips and knee joints are greatly
affected with degeneration of the cartilage between bone causing them to
rub together creating inflammation and pain. There are several products
that can help with this discomfort. Glucosamine and Condroitin Sulfate can
help slow joint disease and can reduce inflammation.
There are many different types available, whether in pill form or powder
which is sprinkled over your pets food. In severe cases non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed by one of our
veterinarians.
Healthy teeth and gums are very important for our pets. Plaque can lead to
gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums),causing loosening of the tooth
ligament, and eventual tooth loss. Cats can develop resorptive lesions,
which are painful, and lead to root reabsorbtion and tooth loss. Bacteria
contained in plaque can be a source of infection in various parts of the
body. Regular dental checks and teeth cleaning can help our pets lead
longer, healthier lives.
Metabolism and organ function begin to slow down as pets get older.
Dietary changes may be recommended. Failing senses can cause psychological
and emotional problems resulting in increased restlessness, loss of house
training, and excessive vocalization. If your pet is experiencing any of
these problems. Please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of
our veterinarians and they can examine your pet to discuss tests and
medication.
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SYMPTOMS OF AN AGING PET |
Difficulty climbing stairs
Difficulty jumping up
Increased stiffness or limping
Loss of house training
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Changes in activity level
Excessive panting
Circling/Repetitive movements
Confusion or disorientation
Excessive barking
Less interaction with family members
Decreased responsiveness
Tremors or shaking
Skin and Coat changes
Changes in sleep pattern
Less enthusiastic greeting behavior
Altered appetite
Weight change |
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