Senior Pets
Beginning around age seven (younger in the large breed dogs), dogs and cats have an increased risk of developing age-related health problems. The good news is that advances in veterinary medicine have improved and lengthened the lives of many of our senior pets.

Nutritional Needs of Senior Pets
There are several age-related health problems that can be managed or even avoided through the use of good nutrition.

• Chronic Renal (kidney) Failure
  This is the most common disease of senior cats and is also seen in senior dogs. The kidneys filter waste and toxins from the blood through a filtering unit called a nephron. As our pets mature, the nephrons lose their ability to function normally. Clinical signs of chronic renal failure may not be apparent until more than 75% of the kidney is damaged. The disease process occurs very slowly over a period of months or years. The subtle signs are easily categorized as simply "old age"; however, old age is not a disease. Signs that may be written off to old age are symptoms of a disease process that can be improved substantially through nutritional means.

• Congestive Heart Failure
  This is another condition which comes on over a period of time, often making it difficult for the pet owner to recognize the symptoms. Again, listlessness and exercise intolerance could be written off as "old age". Management of this condition generally includes a diet which improves the pet's condition, allowing it to function much more normally. Giving our pets a high quality of life during their senior years is a goal we all are striving for.

• Obesity
  Effective management of obesity achieves much more than just that sleek look. It can reduce potential complications of cardiovascular conditions and musculoskeletal problems. Obesity is also a complicating factor in diabetes, skin disorders, and immune deficiency conditions. Weight management begins with a diet formulated specifically for weight loss along with a reduction in "snack food" and an increase in exercise, as tolerated.

• Brain Aging and Behavioral Changes
  Researchers have shown that the aging process is primarily caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals, a normal by-product of energy produced by the body. Most free radicals are neutralized by the body's natural defense mechanisms. However, a small percentage remains active and causes cellular damage. Over time, the body produces more and more free radicals, causing an increasing amount of damage to cells in all systems in the body. Behavioral changes in the senior pet can be tied to this cellular damage. A diet specifically formulated to help limit these changes has been shown to be very effective in increasing our pet's quality of life during their senior years.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment is the Key
The very first step in managing any age-related condition is a visit to your veterinarian. Most veterinarians recommend a baseline screening of blood and urine samples in order to monitor any changes in these levels as your pet ages. This baseline screening should be done at or before seven years of age for cats and small and medium breed dogs. Large and giant breed dogs are considered seniors at five years of age and should be screened then. Here are some of the basic tests which may be recommended as a senior profile.

• Blood Chemistry Profile and Complete Blood Count
  These tests will determine any abnormalities in organ function, and includes a blood glucose level.

• Thyroid Level
  Many pets have abnormal thyroid production. Treatment for hypo- or hyper-thyroidism involves daily medication and can greatly improve your pet's quality (and quantity) of life.

• Blood Pressure

• Urinalysis and Urine Culture and Sensitivity

• Early Renal Disease (ERD) test
  This is a urine test, done in-clinic so you will have the results within minutes. This test will indicate damage to the nephrons long before other tests can detect that damage.

Day to Day Care of the Senior Pet

• Any changes in your senior pet's environment can cause undue stress. Your pet has many habits that make their day stable and enjoyable to them. If changes must be made, do so gradually.
• Keep your pet comfortable. Place their bed in a dry, draft-free area. Don't leave them outside for long periods of time in cold or hot weather.
• Provide regular grooming. Especially in older cats, self-grooming is decreased. The accumulation of dead hair in the coat can create a variety of skin problems. Regular grooming also gives you a chance to check for lumps or lesions that you may not otherwise notice.
• Encourage moderate exercise. Daily walks and/or play time helps maintain healthy bones and muscles, and aids normal body functions.
• Keep your pet's surroundings familiar to help compensate for reduced eyesight, smell, and hearing.
• Observe your senior pet closely for changes in behavior, eating habits, or discomfort. Early detection and early diagnosis provide better quality and longer lives.

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Veterinary Medicine

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ANESTHESIA	BLOODTEST	CAT
DOCTOR	DOG	ECG
EXAMINATION	GUINEAPIG	HEDGEHOG
MONITOR	NAILTRIMMERS	NEEDLE
NEUTER	PETS	PREVENTIVE
RABBIT	RECEPTIONIST	SCALPEL
SPAY	STETHOSCOPE	SYRINGE
TECHNICIAN	VACCINE	XRAY

Pet Treat Recipes
Finally, we'd like to include a couple more of our favorite treat recipes:

Banana Carob Dog Cookies
1 ½ C ripe bananas, mashed
¼ C applesauce
3 C uncooked oatmeal
½ tsp vanilla
½ C carob chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 . Stir together all ingredients until mixed. Roll into balls the size of a small walnut. Drop by teaspoon onto an ungreased baking sheet. Press flat with a fork. Bake for 15 min. Cool before serving. Store in refrigerator. Makes approximately 30 cookies.

Chicken Crunches (for both dogs and cats)
3 ½ oz jar of chicken baby food (without onions)
¾ cup powdered skin milk
½ cup wheat germ

Mix dry ingredients. Add baby food and mix thoroughly. Spray cookie sheet with nonfat baking spray. Drop tablespoon sized balls of dough onto sheet. Bake for 10-14 min. in a preheated 350º oven. Cool and store in an air-tight container. (Dogs love this recipe made with beef baby food.)

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