Senior Pets-- How to Keep them Healthy and Happy

Unfortunately, dogs and cats age at a faster rate than humans.  The old gauge of 7 dog years per one human year isn't completely accurate.  The larger the animal, the faster the relative age increases.  For example, the expected life span of a Great Dane is about 8-9 years, whereas a poodle may live to 13-15 years.  We have seen cats as old as 22 years of age!  So, at 8 years old, a small dog or cat's age is equivalent to approx. 48 years, and a dog over 90 pounds is like a 64 year old person. 

So, your pet's body changes and ages at a faster rate than your own.  That's why yearly checkups are important- a lot can change in the aging equivalent of 7or 8 years!  A twice yearly exam is recommended for large breed dogs starting at 6-7 years old and 8-10 years old for small dogs and cats. 

Weight loss or gain may signal a problem. Heart rate, rhythm, heart murmur or fluid in the lungs may be early signs of heart disease.  Abdominal palpation may reveal changes in organ size or fluid accumulation in the body cavity.  "Lumps or bumps" on or just below the skin can be checked for possible tumors, or may be determined to be cysts or benign fatty growths. Mouth and teeth are checked for gingivitis, tartar buildup and loose or infected teeth.  Eyes and ears are examined for infection or aging changes.  Lastly, a urinalysis, blood count and blood tests to evaluate liver, kidneys and blood sugar and electrolyte levels can give early indications of problems that may be controlled with medication or diet changes.

Symptoms seen at home that indicate the need for an office visit are :
> Weight loss or gain
> Increase in water consumption and urination 
> Coughing, labored respiration and lethargy
> Changes in urinary or bowel habits
> Vomitting
> Limping, stiffness or pain

Many "aging issues" are manageable with medication or diet, especially if cought in early stages.  Regular check-ups go a long way in keeping your furry friends happy and healthy well into their senior years.

Dr. Mc

Why should I clean my pet's teeth?

Welcome to our blog!!  My plan is to put out some information to help pet owners understand some of the the issues that we see  in patients, and ways to correct or manage them.  In doing so, we hope to help your friend and companion to live a long and healthy life. Watch for the link on our facebook page to see when new information is available.  Thanks for reading!  Dr. McLaughlin

Why should I clean my pet's teeth?

Normal chewing leaves small particles of food that stick to your cat or dog's teeth. As these bits start to break down, bacteria move in and "set up shop" (yuck) with the decaying debris (yuck again!) and form placque- which then hardens into tartar. As the tartar starts to build up, it begins to push under the gum line and, later, in between the tooth root and the bone.  This leads to gum inflammation and pain, bone degeneration and ultimately tooth loosening and loss. In severe cases, infection can spread to the bones of the jaws, causing weakening and damage.  Additionally, the bacteria in the tartar may use the blood vessels in the inflamed gums as a pathway to the rest of the body and lead to infections in other areas, most commonly heart or kidneys.

How do you tell if your dog or cat needs a dental cleaning? You may notice a tan or brown buildup on your pet's teeth, and some bad breath as well. (Those kisses aren't quite as sweet as they used to be, right?)  In more advanced cases you may notice pain when the mouth is touched, pawing or rubbing at the face, or chewing on only one side of the mouth.

By cleaning the teeth, the tartar and bacteria are removed and the gums can heal.  Teeth that are starting to get loose may reattach and become firm again.  The constant source of bacteria in your pet's body is cleared up, and he will be healthier and feel better in general.  Mouth odor will be reduced, and you will enjoy those doggy and kitty kisses again!!

How often do the teeth need to be cleaned?  Just like people, the rate and amount of tartar buildup will vary. Annual exams give us an opportunity to evaluate dental health and make recommendations on cleaning.

So, it's time to "lift that lip" and take a look into your pet's mouth-- or let us take a look for you!

Dr. Mc