When you have an older pet, the most important thing to remember
is this: Dying isn’t optional, but suffering often can be.
In other words, don’t assume that a sick or elderly pet can’t
enjoy many weeks, months or even years of pain-free, comfortable and joyful
living. And your veterinarian can help make that possible, because we
understand why that’s important, and we know how to make it happen. Working
with your veterinarian to help a pet in the twilight of life will add a glow
that will make the time precious for you and your pet both.
Start With a Veterinary Visit
To help your older pet enjoy a high quality of
life, you’ll need to make sure his health problems are addressed. That starts
with a complete physical, which likely will include basic diagnostic testing.
The tip-of-the-nose-to-tip-of-the-tail exam your veterinarian provides will
also include a dental exam and a careful evaluation of all tests for
signs of problems in vital organs such as the kidneys
After the check-up — and older pets should get
them twice a year — you and your veterinarian will go over the results and set
priorities for care. In many older pets, years of “deferred maintenance” when
it comes to dental care have resulted in broken, rotting teeth and infected
gums. I’ve seen cases that looked as if a blowtorch were passed over the pet’s
gums. These pets are in constant pain, and are often not eating well. These
urgencies and emergencies must be addressed, and you may be shocked at how much
happier your pet seems once they have been.
Follow Up With Home
Care
Once your pet’s most urgent health problems have been addressed,
you and your veterinarian can work on a plan of supportive care, much of which
you can provide relatively easily at home.
·
Pain
management is essential. Older
pets, like older people, are often dealing with pain that comes from
arthritis. There are changes you can make at home — adding litter boxes on each
floor, providing soft pet beds, even stair steps to help pets onto furniture —
but the biggest impact will come from medical and lifestyle changes. If your
pet is overweight, you must trim him down to relieve pressure on the joints —
and your veterinarian can help with that! Supplements such as glucosamine and
omega-3 fatty acids may also help, and when it comes to prescription care, your
veterinarian can provide a medication or combination of medications that will
relieve chronic pain
·
The
fluids need to flow. Many older pets
struggle with hydration. In some cases that’s because it hurts to move, making
getting to the water bowl more trouble than it’s worth. Pain management will
help these pets, and so will making water more accessible and appealing. I love
pet drinking fountains, and can’t recommend them enough. Providing pets with a
constant supply of fresh flowing water is an easy way to encourage more fluid
intake. Your veterinarian can also tailor recommendations to your pet, such as
switching to moist food (which has more water content). For many older
pets — especially cats — giving fluids at home gives struggling kidneys a
needed boost.
·
Dental
care should be daily. Once your
veterinarian has fixed the painful problems in your pet’s mouth, be sure to
keep the good health going with daily oral care. While brushing is ideal, it’s
not the only thing that can help. Talk to your veterinarian about “good,
better, best” options, including oral rinses and chews.
It’s up to every one of us not to take any day for granted, and
that includes making sure our time with our pets is the best it can be. Your
veterinarian wants to help make that happen for you and your pet.
All information from Vet Street.
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