ELDERLY PETS What is the average life span of a pet? About 12 yrs for dogs, but medium breeds live longer than the giant or very tiny breeds. Cats average 12-14 years. What determines the life span of the animal? Barring a traumatic incident, the care of the pet has an effect on longevity, but so does genetics. Some animals have stronger immune systems than others. How does the aging process affect the pet? Aging can be thought of as the opposite of growth. Essentially the aging body has a diminished capacity to fight disease, recover from injury, and rejuvenate in response to daily wear and tear. What are the signs of aging? As a pet ages, the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and even cognitive function can diminish. Aging pets may drink less and have reduced appetite. A build up of dental tartar and gum disease may make eating uncomfortable. Up to 30% of aged dogs have some level of heart disease. Signs of advanced heart problems include night coughs, exercise intolerance. Old pets with arthritis may have difficulty rising and walking. Obesity, a frequent problem in older pets complicates many diseases related to aging, including heart disease and arthritis. Urinary or fecal incontinence, which is the inability to control urination or defecation sometimes occurs in older pets. Older pets may seem moody or disoriented at times. Can anything be done to alleviate these problems? Your older pet should have frequent examinations, and changes in behavior or appetite should be reported in detail to your veterinarian. Although many of the problems of old age cannot be cured, they can be relieved to a great degree. The purpose of such treatment is to improve the quality of life as well as prolong it. Urinary leakage: If not due to urinary tract infection, the problem can often be improved or resolved through the use of phenylpropanolamine - a drug that strengthens the smooth muscle receptors in the urinary sphincter allowing your dog to pinch the sphincter tight. Arthritic pain: Bayer aspirin along with glucosamine daily can offer significant relief from arthritic pain. It is essential to exert weight control in obese elderly arthritic pets. Obese pets need to lose the extra pounds because pounds are painful for the elderly arthritic pet. Cognitive Dysfunction: Senility in our pets often manifests itself by a seemingly confused pet, a house trained pet who begins urinating or defecating indiscriminately, and changes in personality. A drug called Selegeline Hydrochloride, although expensive, has offered tremendous relief for many senile pets, restoring them to their more youthful psychological self. What can be done to prevent severe health problems as my pet ages? Regular veterinary exams and vaccinations are crucial. Because aging pets have a decreased ability to fight off disease, regular immunizations are important. Routine dental care, x-rays, and periodic blood analysis to detect other problems may be recommended. A balanced senior diet and regular exercise to control muscle conditioning and control weight are vital. Exercise improves circulation, which helps prevent senile changes in the brain. Because of increased thirst, older pets should have a constant supply of fresh water. Avoid making abrupt changes in your older pets lifestyles. Older pets are less tolerant of new places or people, loud noises, drastic temperature changes, different foods. Older pets require increased amounts of well-deserved attention and affection. In summary, there is much that modern Veterinary Medicine can offer to make your pet's golden years more pleasant. How do I know when it is time to let my pet go? Pets seem to have no fear of passing when their time comes. They seem to know when their old body is worn out and can no longer carry on. They simply quit eating, intending to starve themselves out. In the very last weeks or months, special tempting foods are allowed to encourage them to eat, but when your elderly pet refuses even the most favorite morsels, it may be time to bravely say good-bye and let them go. Surprisingly, when the time comes, although they cannot speak, owners somehow know.

EARMITES Earmites are microscopic parasites causing an accumulation of black debris in the ears, as well as extreme discomfort. Head shaking and ear scratching are common symptoms. If untreated, these mites may cause secondary bacterial or yeast infection and vestibular disease symptomized by dizziness. Ear-mites are found in the soil and are spread among dogs & cats alike, but thankfully decline to reside in human ears. They are extremely contagious. Apply the recommended drops or ointment into your pet's ears as directed. All pets in the household should be treated to prevent recurrence. Revolution is a monthly topical application that prevents heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, mange and earmites.

DIABETES Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine (glandular) disorder that occurs in dogs and cats characterized by persistent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Diabetes results when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to adequately signal red blood cells to take glucose out of the serum and use (metabolize) it for energy and growth. Without insulin in the cells, the cells starve for energy and far too much glucose circulates in the blood stream causing a variety of life threatening problems. The major predisposing factor for Diabetes is obesity. Female dogs are affected twice as often as males, and male cats twice as often. Weight loss is key. An animal with diabetes mellitus will exhibit some or all of the following symptoms: Increased thirst Frequent urination (PU/PD) Weight loss, Depression and Weakness Abdominal pain. Pets may also show either increased hunger or lack of appetite. In some, the sudden development of blindness due to cataract formation indicates diabetes.

DENTAL DISEASE Periodontal disease occurs when your pet shows signs of severe dental tartar accumulation and gum disease. This can cause bad breath, decay, root infection and abscess and tooth loss as well as generalized spread of bacteria, poisoning your pet's bloodstream and immune system. Untreated, this problem can cause deadly complications of heart disease, myocarditis, liver disease and kidney problems as well as sepsis (blood infection). Regular dental examinations and cleaning insures your pet’s health, as well as improving breath and making your pet feel years younger! In addition special diets and home therapy are recommended to insure proper maintenance and cleaning. Brushing your pet's teeth at least twice weekly, daily if you can manage it. It's not as difficult as you might imagine. What are the benefits? Brushing removes the daily accumulation of plaque from the teeth. Even though pets do not commonly get cavities, they do suffer from periodontal disease. If untreated the gum disease can lead to pain and loss of teeth. How to Brush Teeth Step one is to pick up an appropriate pet toothbrush. Do not buy a child's toothbrush because it is too hard for pets. The ideal pet toothbrush will have a long handle, an angled head to better fit the mouth and extra soft bristles. Another option is the finger toothbrush that fits over the top of your finger. Step two is to select appropriate toothpaste. The best pet toothpaste contains enzymes that help control plaque. Avoid toothpaste with baking soda, detergents, or salt sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on tops of the brush, try to place it between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth. Step three is to get the brush with paste into your pet's mouth and all the teeth brushed. Most pets accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you start when they are young, it is easy, but even older pets will accept the process. Start slowly; you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner, You will eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about two weeks and your dog or cat should be familiar with the approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water and start brushing daily for several days. When your pet accepts this brushing, add the toothpaste. The toothbrush bristles should be placed at the gum margin where the teeth and gums meet at a 45-degree angle. The movement should be in an oval pattern. Be sure to gently force the bristle ends into the area around the base of the tooth as well as into the space between the teeth. Ten short back-and-forth motions should be competed, then the brush should be moved to a new location. Cover three to four teeth at a time. Attention should be concentrated on the outside of the upper teeth. In summary, small animal home care should include twice weekly brushing, using an enzymatic pet toothpaste. Taking an active role in the care of your pet's teeth will help reduce dental disease, bad breath, and potential life threatening heart and kidney disease.

FAQs Archive - Page 7 of 13 - Waterloo Animal Hospital

ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:27:03+00:00

ENVIRONMENTAL/ INHALANT ALLERGIES Atopy is an intensely itchy skin condition. It is a hypersensitivity to inhaled environmental allergens such as pollens(grass, weed, and tree), mold spores, and house dust mites. Symptoms may include itchy skin, red, inflamed or infected ears, gastrointestinal disorders, reproductive and eye problems. Atopy can be inherited and is the cause of

ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIESDwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:27:03+00:00

ENTERITIS (PARVO VIRUS)

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:26:29+00:00

ENTERITIS (PARVO VIRUS) (see Parvoviral Enteritis) Parvo virus is a very serious often deadly disease of pups and young dogs. This virus affects the lining of the intestinal tract causing lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, anorexia and dehydration. Parvo is potentially fatal and must be treated aggressively to save the pet. Treatment includes hospitalization, I.V. fluids,

ENTERITIS (PARVO VIRUS)Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:26:29+00:00

ELDERLY PETS

Dwight Boehm2019-01-16T22:14:42+00:00

ELDERLY PETS What is the average life span of a pet? About 12 yrs for dogs, but medium breeds live longer than the giant or very tiny breeds. Cats average 12-14 years. What determines the life span of the animal? Barring a traumatic incident, the care of the pet has an effect on longevity, but

ELDERLY PETSDwight Boehm2019-01-16T22:14:42+00:00

ECZEMA (DRY SKIN)

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:25:09+00:00

ECZEMA (DRY SKIN) Dry skin can cause dandruff and possibly increased scratching. Central heat and/or air conditioning, and dry cold winter weather can cause dry skin. Poor diet and/or a vitamin/mineral deficiency can also contribute to the condition. The most effective remedy for dry skin is nutritional supplementation. Feeding vitamin supplements with vitamin E and

ECZEMA (DRY SKIN)Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:25:09+00:00

EARMITES

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:24:39+00:00

EARMITES Earmites are microscopic parasites causing an accumulation of black debris in the ears, as well as extreme discomfort. Head shaking and ear scratching are common symptoms. If untreated, these mites may cause secondary bacterial or yeast infection and vestibular disease symptomized by dizziness. Ear-mites are found in the soil and are spread among dogs

EARMITESDwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:24:39+00:00

EAR INFECTION (OTITIS)

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:24:09+00:00

EAR INFECTION (OTITIS) Otitis (ear infection) is symptomized by head shaking, scratching at, or odor from the ears. The ears should be cleaned 1-2 times daily for a week to 10 days and the otic ointment or drop applied twice daily for 10 days. Otitis is caused by either yeast and/or bacteria. Pets with heavy,

EAR INFECTION (OTITIS)Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:24:09+00:00

DIABETES

Dwight Boehm2019-01-16T22:14:42+00:00

DIABETES Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine (glandular) disorder that occurs in dogs and cats characterized by persistent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Diabetes results when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to adequately signal red blood cells to take glucose out of the serum and use (metabolize) it for energy and growth. Without

DIABETESDwight Boehm2019-01-16T22:14:42+00:00

DENTAL DISEASE

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:21:11+00:00

DENTAL DISEASE Periodontal disease occurs when your pet shows signs of severe dental tartar accumulation and gum disease. This can cause bad breath, decay, root infection and abscess and tooth loss as well as generalized spread of bacteria, poisoning your pet's bloodstream and immune system. Untreated, this problem can cause deadly complications of heart disease,

DENTAL DISEASEDwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:21:11+00:00

DEMODICTIC MANGE

Dwight Boehm2019-01-16T22:14:42+00:00

DEMODECTIC MANGE Demodectic Mange is an inherited skin disease caused by tiny mites. Symptoms include areas of alopecia, scaly skin, sores, and redness. These may be localized areas (in several small spots) or generalized over the whole body and feet. The disease may progress, causing secondary pyoderma, depression, and weight loss. Demodicosis is suspected when

DEMODICTIC MANGEDwight Boehm2019-01-16T22:14:42+00:00

CYSTITIS (BLADDER INFECTION)

Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:19:34+00:00

CYSTITIS (BLADDER INFECTION) We recommend a procedure called cystocentesis where urine is drawn or aspirated sterilely from the bladder which sometimes requires sedation or anesthesia. The urine sample is submitted to the laboratory for pathologists to perform culture and sensitivity (growing the bacteria and determining what antibiotics are most effective against the microbes.) Antibiotics should

CYSTITIS (BLADDER INFECTION)Dwight Boehm2015-09-25T15:19:34+00:00