Tag Archives: senior care

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Is my dog struggling with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common problem for dogs, particularly elderly pets. This disease happens due to progressive inflammatory destruction of the cartilage in the joints, leading to worsening mobility and pain.

Unfortunately, this condition does not have a cure in most cases, but there are many ways to slow down the progression of cartilage destruction and manage pain successfully.

If you’ve noticed that your furry friend has been slowing down on walks and is more reluctant to move around, this blog post is for you! Keep reading to know all about osteoarthritis and how to help your pet enjoy its twilight years without pain.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), and, as we’ve mentioned, it is caused by persistent joint inflammation resulting from damaged cartilage, a protective tissue that is vital for proper joint movement.

As this is progressively destroyed, the bones lose their capacity to move correctly. This situation also causes significant and increasing pain, and you may start to notice your pet being more reluctant to get up from their bed, walk or play. This discomfort can also show up as increased aggressiveness, less patience and house-soiling.

Any dog can suffer from osteoarthritis at any point in his or her life, but some animals are more predisposed to DJD. The most important risk factors include:

  • Age as older dogs are more likely to have cartilage damage;
  • Larger breeds;
  • Injuries or repeated activities (such as sports) as these create a lot of repeated stress on the joints;
  • Overweight;
  • Joints with bad conformation (for instance, hip dysplasia).

While no definitive cure exists for this disease, your furry friend can still enjoy a long time of comfort and activity with the proper treatments. These aim to slow down the progression and manage pain, allowing him or her to have many more great days to share with you.

 

Can I help my dog feel better?

One of the most essential things any owner can do is keep an eye out for progressing signs of osteoarthritis, especially during this time of the year when cold and damp days can worsen joint function.

While every pet is different, medical management is vital in these cases, as pain and mobility loss will continue progressing. Often, these medications will have to be adjusted as time passes and other symptoms appear.

Your vet will also likely suggest physical therapy to help reduce discomfort and improve limb strength. This might include hydrotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy or other complementary treatment modalities that help medication and lifestyle changes be more effective.

Modifying routines, for instance, with shorter walks, and changing how your dog can get around your home, for example, with more comfortable bedding and mobility aids, can also be extremely helpful.

If you spot any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! They will carry out a thorough investigation and suggest the best treatments to address any difficulties your pet is having.

 

Don’t forget:

  • Osteoarthritis most often cannot be cured, but it can usually be successfully managed;
  • If you spot any changes in behaviour such as less patience, reluctance to move or get up, increased vocalisations and house soiling, they might be due to pain or significant discomfort;
  • Medication and treatments like hydrotherapy or laser therapy can help manage symptoms when they come up;
  • In case you see any worrying concerns, speak to your vet, and they will be able to help you decide on the best course of action.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Old cats and dehydration during the summer

As the temperature rises, keeping a close eye on our senior cats is essential! When hot days arrive, it’s easier for our older feline friends to lose more fluids than normal, and if they aren’t given enough encouragement or opportunities to drink more water, this situation can quickly tip into severe dehydration.

Learn more about keeping your golden oldies hydrated and happy through the summer in our blog post below!

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when there is a significant loss of bodily fluids, and they are not adequately replenished. There are many ways for your pets to lose more water than usual, including hotter days, lack of access to clean water or many health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or cardiac problems.

Here are some of the most common early signs of dehydration:

  • Confusion or lack of coordination;
  • Lack of appetite and lethargy;
  • Trouble breathing and panting excessively;
  • Sunken eyes and reduced skin elasticity;
  • Collapse.

While mild dehydration can be easily fixed and is not likely to cause long-term harm, if this situation progresses enough, it can be fatal! Severe dehydration compromises most bodily functions, including circulation, digestion and removal of the body’s normal waste products and might need a prompt medical intervention!

Is my older cat at a higher risk of dehydration?

Older cats are often at a higher risk of being dehydrated, especially during the summer, as they can’t retain water as well due to reduced body mass, thinner skin, plus they might not be as inclined to drink water like when they were younger.

If your golden oldie is also suffering from several common diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes, this makes them lose a higher-than-average amount of water through their urine. This, coupled with high heat and a relative lack of drive to drink water, might cause mild to severe dehydration.

As a caring owner, it’s essential to pay close attention to your senior pets, and if you spot any of the signs we have mentioned above, please get in touch with your vet as soon as you are able. They will help you evaluate the situation and how to correct it before it becomes a serious problem.

How can I help my cat drink more water?

In order to avoid issues with the heat and dehydration, it’s best to be proactive!

As the days grow hotter, keep track of how much water your cat is ingesting. You can also implement several strategies to encourage him or her to ingest more water, helping avoid excessive loss of fluids.

Consider:

  1. Making sure his or her water bowls are always filled with fresh, clean water;
  2. Changing the bowls to a water fountain as cats often enjoy flowing water;
  3. Switching to wet food that is appropriate for seniors as this type of diet is much higher in water than dry kibble;
  4. Adding some flavour to the water, for instance, with chicken broth or tuna water (not oil).

Also remember that many painful conditions like osteoarthritis, dental disease or cancer can make eating and drinking very difficult for pets.

For these cases, your vet will help you figure out the best way to keep your feline friend hydrated and as pain-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to approach them with your difficulties and concerns!

 

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Senior Dog Care

Did you know your dog’s healthcare and other needs will change as he or she ages? A senior pet might need some changes around the house, specific food or even more frequent veterinary care.

All of these are part of the natural process of growing old, and meeting these needs is very important for their quality of life.

Make sure you have everything that you need to tackle your dog’s golden years and learn all about this amazing life stage.

Health and veterinary care

When people get older, going to the doctor becomes more frequent because there are a lot of health issues that are more common in older people.

The same is true for our dogs, as issues like osteoarthritis, heart disease or cancer become more of a concern as the years go by. Fortunately, most of these problems can be managed to keep your furry friend comfortable and improve their quality of life.

Early detection is vital, which is why your vet is likely to recommend specific tests during your dog’s senior years or ask you to come in to the practice with your pet twice a year instead of just once.

Receiving a diagnosis that something is wrong is understandably distressing, especially for severe diseases like kidney and heart disease, diabetes or even cancer. At first, trying to figure out how you’ll manage this can be overwhelming, but your vet can help you find the best treatment options and support you during this trying time.

Changes in their lifestyle

Even perfectly healthy senior dogs have different needs than younger dogs. In particular, regarding their meals, exercise needs or socialisation.

We consider dogs to be seniors at around age 7, a little earlier for large or giant breeds and a little later for smaller breeds. When your dogs hit this stage of their lives, some changes inevitably happen, such as potentially losing some of their capacity to see, hear or smell, and their joints might be suffering from wear and tear.

With these things in mind, you should keep an eye out for problems like eating less or struggling to move. Behavioural changes are also a concern now, as you might find your dog is more easily startled, anxious or even more aggressive.

Loss of senses like eyesight, hearing or even cognitive abilities is very distressing and might make him or her change their behaviour. Pain and discomfort can also play a huge part in this, as these pets often don’t wish to be touched or bothered as often due to these factors.

Some things you can try include:

  • Changing to food that’s specifically made for seniors and finding the things your pet loves the most for them to eat, as loss of smell can make ingesting enough calories and nutrients difficult;
  • Modifying their exercise routines, for instance, with shorter walks or with more time to rest and consider introducing more lower-impact play with toys to keep them moving but not in a way that causes discomfort;
  • If you notice that they can’t see or hear you very well, approach them gently and give them plenty of time to realise that you are there so you won’t startle them;
  • Talking to your vet about your concerns to determine if a disease might be causing these signs and to help you manage your dog’s pain.

As your dog’s needs evolve, it’s best to keep a keen eye on how things are going and adjust your home and routines to meet these new needs.

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Senior Horse Winter Care

With Winter fast approaching and the temperatures dropping, we feel this is the perfect time to remind all horse owners of the special precautions they need to be aware of during this cold season, this time with a particular emphasis on the older horse.

Horses are sturdy animals that cope really well in cold temperatures – the real enemies during this season are the wind and the rain! However, there are some basic things you need to do to keep your horses protected, such as:

– Access to a waterproof and windproof shelter where your horses can seek protection from the elements.

– Access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times.

Water consumption in Winter is usually decreased in all species, but this is particularly dangerous for horses as it can lead to impaction colic or other gastrointestinal problems.

– Maintain an appropriate exercise routine.

Sometimes temperatures will drop to negative numbers, and no one really wants to go riding when it’s raining or snowing outside. However, exercise should be an integral part of a horse’s daily life as it helps maintain their physical health and keeps them mentally stimulated.

Just be extra careful riding in Winter, as it is more likely your horses can slip and fall.

They can also easily get chilled after a workout, so it is a good idea to spend some time walking your horses after exercise to allow them to cool down gradually.

– Pay particular attention to the hooves.

Besides regular maintenance, it’s also very important to check your horses’ hooves daily for snowballs, moisture and mud as these can cause foot problems such as flares, bruises and abscesses.

Consult with your farrier to decide if it’s best to keep your horse shod or barefoot during this season.

 

If your horse is on his or her golden years, there are some things you should consider more carefully to prepare for the cold season.

#1: Nutrition

Thoroughly assess and meet your horses’ nutritional needs: as a horse owner, you know how difficult it is to find the right nutritional balance to feed your horse and during Winter is no exception.

Calories that are not immediately converted to energy and used for physiological functions will be stored as fat, which helps to insulate the horse against the cold. In wild horses, fat reserves usually build up during Summer when forage is abundant, and they will naturally be consumed over Winter when food is sparse. This weight fluctuation is normal if within reasonable limits.

However, the modern horse lifestyle usually doesn’t compare to the wild horses’. Their life is not as harsh, and weather conditions are not as extreme if there is an appropriate shelter. Knowing this, alterations to your horse’s diet should be done accordingly.

Some horses, depending on their body condition score (BCS), will benefit from increased caloric intake to help them maintain their body temperature, as the digestive process is an excellent source of body heat. Pastures will also not be as available, and this will need to be compensated. To ensure your horses’ BCS stays at a healthy level and that they can fend off the cold, it’s a good idea to keep forage accessible at all times.

However, you should try to keep your horses’ weight stable as overweight horses are susceptible to laminitis, and other health problems. Make the necessary adjustments to your horses’ diet considering how much they are eating as well as what factors might be increasing or decreasing their needs.

Also, keep in mind that older horses aren’t able to digest food as efficiently as younger horses and a proper nutritional balance can be tricky to achieve.

 

#2: Rugs

Putting a rug on your horses should be carefully considered. On the one hand, it can provide extra warmth to keep them comfortable but on the other hand, horses’ have their own physiological, anatomical and behavioural mechanisms that regulate their body temperature which we might not want to interfere with.

Senior horses tend to have less muscle mass and fat to act as insulation and can have concurrent diseases that will hinder them from coping with the cold so they might benefit from this extra protection.

There are different types of rugs you can use on your horse, from simple rain sheets to heavier, warmer blankets. You should choose one that meets your horses’ needs and keep in mind that these may vary according to their environment and activities.

Don’t forget to check if it’s fitted correctly and inspect it daily so your horses don’t have wet or poorly fitting rugs on them. If you spot any issues, change the rug as soon as possible.

 

#3: Health check

If you have an older horse, you’re probably already familiar with all these extra precautions that we’re covering!

However, each horse has different requirements, and it’s always advisable to talk to your vet when preparing for the cold season. They can tell you what factors and issues might be influencing your horses’ capacity to deal with the cold and advise you on how to best prepare.

 

We hope you find this helpful, if you’d like to know more about caring for the older horse we can help!

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