Health Signs to Look for in Our Senior Pets

Health Signs to Look for in Our Senior Pets

Cats and dogs age quicker than we human beings. Due to genes and other physical factors, our cherished pets only share their lives with us for a short time. Long-time fur parents know the love that grows between human and pet and fears the pain of losing pets in the end.

Thus, we do whatever we can to lengthen the lives of these loyal animals so we can love them a bit longer.

Keep an Eye Out for Signs

The scariest thing to realize is that your pet is sick, and you are powerless. You should be vigilant and keep an extra eye to see if there are physical and behavioral changes in our furry companions. DenverVet.com will be here to help you take care of your geriatric pets.

Behavioral Problems

Specific indicators that tell there is something wrong with pets might include a change in temperament. In some cases, it can be subtle. However, it can tell whether the animal is experiencing discomfort or discomfort. Some things to keep an eye out for are:

• Sudden aggressiveness
• Not wanting to be touched
• Hesitation to sit or sitting on one hip
• Less or much more vocal
• Lethargy
• Aversion to eat or drink
• Moving while urinating or defecating; also accidental urinating and defecating

Physical Changes and Conditions

A telltale sign that pets need help is physical issues. Some might be concealed under their coats. These symptoms can be discovered quickly by keeping them as well-groomed as they need to be. Provide time to wash and groom your pets gently, or look for expert groomers who can deal with senior pets. Things to check for are:

• Pale or bright red gums
• Crusty or seeping ears, typically accompanied by a nasty odor
• Skin issues like rashes, flaking, sores, or pus
• Wounds and swelling
• Loss of hair
• A noticeable weight gain or loss

Emergency Symptoms

In many cases, heart, kidney, liver, and oral illness will cause emergency concerns. Call your vet and rush to the emergency clinic if they are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Repeat vomiting or diarrhea
• Problem breathing
• Seizures
• Failure to urinate
• Extreme pain
• Bloated or inflamed abdomen

Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number always ready. Calling before going to the emergency room alerts the group so they can prepare for your arrival.

What do the indications tell you?

The signs and symptoms inform us what they are experiencing and give us an idea of what we are looking at. Discomfort manifesting in behavioral issues typically shows that pets might be experiencing bone and joint pains. 

Conditions such as arthritis, advanced osteoporosis, or bone cancer might be the culprit. Click here for services on dog oncology near me. Skin issues expose allergic reactions, hypothyroidism, liver illness, or diabetes.

Emergency symptoms like the failure to urinate may show bladder issues or kidney stones. They might be causing congestion as waste can not exit the body. Difficulty breathing may be the most major emergency circumstance, and you need to hurry to the vet. Low oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, can cause respiratory arrest and death if not resolved at once.

What can you do?

See that senior pets visit their veterinarian at least two times a year. Let the veterinarian know of any issues you see so that tests and laboratory work can be done instantly. Veterinary cold laser therapy or preventive medication can be recommended if needed. Proper grooming is also a must to permit you to see physical changes.

Prevention will be easier than being shocked by these symptoms and signs. As accountable pet owners, give more time and attention to your senior pets to improve their quality of life. This will provide us a sense of peace that we have loved them well before they cross over the rainbow bridge.