Myna
Puppies and kittens are energetic bundles of joy.
As humans, we are drawn to their baby-like faces and cuddly nature. They capture our hearts with puppy breath, purring, laughable clumsiness, tail chasing and all the silly acts that young animals perform. There are thousands of YouTube videos dedicated solely to the antics of baby pets.
However, it is rare to see senior pets portrayed in the media. The reality is that aged animals are not as cute or fun to look at as their younger kin. We know that aging and death are inevitable when raising a pet, but it seems like something we need not worry about for years to come. It creeps up on us, and sometimes we even live in denial when we begin to notice the signs of aging in our own beloved animals.
Much like raising a kitten or puppy, caring for senior pets is more time consuming and less convenient. It is sad and frustrating to watch pets age as their bodies and minds begin to slow down. Mobility issues, incontinence, joint pain, dental problems, hearing or vision loss, anxiety and cognitive dysfunction are common ailments that senior pets experience.
To help your aging pet, consider having a pet sitter visit to allow dogs to relieve themselves during the day. You may also want to clean litter boxes more often, put up baby gates to prevent pets from falling down stairs, modify duration and type of play and exercise and use puzzle toys for mental stimulation. A consistent schedule is important to keep pets in a routine, which will help them feel more secure. For anxious and stressed pets, calming remedies, Thunder Shirts and a quiet place to relax can help.
Many senior pets develop more severe issues such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease as they reach a geriatric stage of life. Be sure to watch for signs that may indicate that a serious health problem is emerging. These may include loss of appetite, lethargy, panting, pacing, confusion, agitation, aggression, increased vocalization, increase in sleep, frequent urination, restlessness and a decrease in self-care. Keeping notes on any health or behavioral changes can assist your vet when developing a senior plan of care.
Proper veterinary care is the first line of defense in finding out where problems may lie within the body. Even if a pet “looks” fine, there may be underlying disease that can be remedied, but, if left untreated, can lead to premature death and unnecessary suffering. Complete blood panels, urinalysis and radiographs are basic tests that can help determine if a pet is beginning to have a problem and enable the veterinarian to treat a condition at early onset.
A growing number of pet owners are seeking supplemental treatments that were once only used on humans. Acupuncture, cold laser therapy and acupressure can help reduce inflammatory issues and pain. Chiropractic care is used to treat and prevent joint degeneration, hip dysplasia, incontinence, neck and back pain, and improve mobility.
Pets with mobility problems may also benefit from physical therapy and swimming. Massage therapy increases circulation and flexibility, eases muscle and joint discomfort and calms anxious pets. Homeopathy, herbs, aromatherapy and Reiki are growing in popularity for pet owners who are seeking more natural and less invasive ways to treat ailments, especially when other treatments are not working.
With the many care options available for our pets, they are living longer and with greater quality of life. There is no remedy for aging but, with our good care and companionship, senior pets can live happily and healthfully for many years to come.
Kristen Zellner is owner of Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, 3963 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.abramsandweakley.com or call 717-232-3963.
