Geriatric Care

It is a tribute to the clients of our hospital that we see so many pets living well into old age. When is a pet considered old? Cats and small dogs generally are considered geriatric at 8 to 10 years of age, though we often see cats and toy breeds living well into their late teens. Medium and large-sized dogs age more rapidly; the larger the dog, the faster it tends to age.

As pets age, we often have to modify their activity levels. Regular, controlled exercise such as leash walks can help an older pet stay fit and active, while violent or jarring actions, such as jumping on or off furniture, may need to be phased out.

Older animals, like people, are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses. Among the more common illnesses we see in dogs are obesity, degenerative joint disease (arthritis), heart disease and, unfortunately, cancer. In older cats, we most often see kidney and thyroid disease.

Feline Kidney Disease is one of the most common medical ailments of older cats and the leading cause of death in these pets. The kidney's main purpose is to remove waste materials to prevent accumulation in the blood. Seeing your veterinarian regularly will aid in early detection of kidney disease and lead to an improved outcome through management and treatment.

In order to help your best friend find comfort during his "Golden Years," we strongly recommend our Senior Wellness Plan.

Ask your veterinarian at KAMC if you feel your older pet seems less oriented. We are prepared to help prevent, detect, and treat any ailment your geriatric pet may encounter.