| This is when you begin to wonder if he might be showing signs of old age. Generally, dogs and cats are considered geriatric after 8 to 12 years of age. Cats and small dogs tend to age more slowly and live longer than large dogs, according to an article by Dr. Theresa Fuess, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois.
Signs Of Geriatric Pet Aging
So, how will you know exactly when your pet has entered the geriatric stage? Like people, pets are individual in the way they age. One of the most commons signs of aging is slowing down. It will take your dog longer to get up from a lying position, and climbing stairs won’t be as easy as it used to be. Problems with vision and hearing are also common as pets age, according to The Senior Dogs Project.
It’s not uncommon for dogs to live
14 to 15 years these days.
Tips For Geriatric Pet Care
It’s not uncommon for dogs to live 14 to 15 years these days. Here are some tips to ensure your pet has a long, healthy life.
 Visit the vet once every six months for checkups. Blood tests, urinalyses and fecal examines are important to ensure that health problems are detected immediately, says Maryanne Dell, certified dog trainer and pet columnist for the Orange County (Calif.) Register. - Feed your dog the best food possible. Keep in mind that as dogs age, their metabolic rate slows up to 30 percent, according to thepetcenter.com; they don’t need as much food as they used to. Less protein and more fat could be needed to maintain health as your pet ages, Dell says. Nutritional supplements may be beneficial for older dogs.
- Keep exercising. It’s still important to engage your dog in physical activity, but it’s OK to adjust the duration and intensity to fit his needs.
- Maintain dental health. Rotting teeth can cause gum and mouth infections, and these infections can migrate to vital organs. Brush your dog’s teeth every other day and have his teeth cleaned professionally as much as your vet recommends.
- Maintain good grooming. The state of your pet’s fur is a good indicator of overall health, Dell says. Dull, dry fur that falls out is a sign of poor health.
Grow Old Together
Just because your pet is heading into his senior years doesn’t mean you can’t still have the fulfilling relationship you’re used to. Becoming informed about the special needs of older pets is the first step in keeping your pet healthy. With the proper care and attention, your pet might just be there as you enter your golden years!
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It may seem like just yesterday when you brought home your pup or kitten. You remember him frolicking around the yard, full of energy and curious to explore his new surroundings. But as the years pass, you begin to notice a slowdown in your pet’s daily activities.
