Winter 2001

My Cat/Dog is Getting Old

At some time or another all of us as pet owners will be confronted with decisions about the deteriorating health of an old, much-loved pet and wondering whether this is "normal", whether to call the vet yet, whether he/she is still enjoying good quality of life and how to know.

Sometimes it will be self-evident that there are significant problems afoot but more often than not there will be more subtle signs such as slowing down, sleeping more, not grooming properly, losing weight, stiffness after rest or exercise, changes in appetite or thirst.

What to expect:

With aging, our (and Fido’s) metabolic rate slows so he needs less food - this is quite normal and in fact it’s important to manage diet with aging to avoid obesity (this can be achieved with Seniors diets or with fresh produce)... but it should be a gradual onset. Often their hearing and sight won’t be quite what they used to be - they’ll sleep more soundly, won’t wake to bark at the door or won’t get out of the way when you’re driving up the driveway. They’ll slow down some. They might get more puffed on a walk.

There aren’t black and white answers to these symptoms - sometimes they are simply signs of aging but at other times, they could herald a serious problem.

As a general recommendation, I would advise USE JUDGEMENT AND COMMON SENSE.

FOR EXAMPLE:

Losing weight?

If the kilos are dropping off Fluffy before your eyes, then it is probably best to have a check... but if it’s a gradual thing, weigh him on the bathroom scales and reweigh in another month - you may find it’s only a perception because of moulting or time of year. He may have a history of losing weight every summer - think back.

Stiffness/slowing down?

Has it been progressive over time or a sudden development? How severe is it? - is she just a bit creaky getting up, or does she have difficulty rising or prefer not to even try or whimper with pain or favour one leg particularly? Is she getting matted hair over her back because she can’t groom properly any more? Is it worse in cold weather but she "warms out of it"?... it could be some arthritis... so, is it severe enough to require pain or inflammation control? Would I accept this degree of disability myself or would I seek some sort of pain control?

Appetite decreasing?

Has it been happening gradually over a year or so? Perhaps it’s just a slowing metabolic rate with age... but if it’s a sudden development, could there be a problem? Is she "well" in other respects? Is it simply that Puss is getting more fussy (cats are notoriously fussy eaters) - try tempting him with yummy stuff that you KNOW he can’t resist. Is Fido running to the food bowl looking interested but then not picking it up or dropping it - perhaps he has a sore mouth?

Appetite increasing?

Some conditions actually increase appetite. Examples are hyperthyroidism in old cats where the thyroid gland produces increased thyroid hormone and diabetes which is often associated with weight loss and increased thirst.

Thirsty?

A number of conditions can "creep up" with the only apparent symptom being increased thirst so if this persists for any time, probably time for a check (this may require some blood or urine tests). Kidney failure is quite common in older cats and diabetes is also not uncommon in both dogs and cats.

Vomiting or diarrhoea?

Does Puss have a history of vomiting once or twice a week or is this new - that is, has anything changed? Does Blue have a history of getting some diarrhoea after eating canned food or does he normally have a cast iron stomach? If it’s out of character and goes on for more than a few days, consider a check.

Not hearing or seeing things?

Old dogs and cats commonly lose acuity of vision and hearing just like we do. It can be sometimes tricky to assess which one is failing. Some causes are simply painless and untreatable degenerative conditions but others can be treated. A check should clarify this.

Does she/he still have quality of life?...

the BIG question! Try asking yourself some simple questions. Is he still "happy"? Does she still want to go for the walk (even if it’s only to the street corner)? Still enjoying his food? Wagging her tail when you come in? Enjoying your company? Does he seem to be in pain (as opposed to a bit of old age stiffness which we’ll all suffer with time)?

When to call the vet?

Difficult one to answer directly... think about the symptoms. Is this "normal" for your pet? Use your judgement, and if you’re still concerned, then it may be time to call.