The aging process is inevitable. As some might say, “you only get there if you are lucky.” As we age, we gradually become aware of aches and pains and progressive limitations on our strength and stamina. We can report these symptoms to our medical professionals and receive the support we need to remain healthy and active.
The aging process progresses in a similar way for our pets and often at a much greater speed. Our pets, however, are seldom able to report the onset of symptoms at an early stage when treatment should first be considered.
The challenges of aging may sneak up on us and our beloved family pets. The subtle symptoms of developing arthritis, heart or kidney disease, or cognitive dysfunction can progress without many outward signs. Catching and addressing these symptoms early can help your pets to enjoy their senior years, remaining active and pain-free. Today, our veterinarians may recommend the first “senior exam” as early as age 7 for dogs and age 7-10 for cats.
According to VetSource, there are seven common health problems found in aging animals, which also happen to be found in aging humans. They are:
- Kidney Issues
- Heart Problems
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Arthritis or Joint Problems
- Dental Disease
- Lumps and Bumps
- Loss of Vision and Hearing
What Can Pet Owners Do to Support Aging Pets?
A pet that is healthy and happy in old age begins with a healthy lifestyle when young. It is much easier to slow the onset of age-related illness than it is to cure the disease once present. Focus on maintaining health rather than treating illness. Here are some ways you can do so.
Appropriate Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet and body weight from the start can greatly reduce the risk of disease later in life. Provide a diet rich in protein and low in processed carbohydrates that is calorie-appropriate for your pet’s age and breed. Choose healthy treats and plenty of clean water.
Think Ahead and Plan a Prevention Strategy
We can think ahead and plan for likely scenarios. If we know that our long-backed breed of dog is prone to back pain and injury, we can engage early in prevention, such as providing a ramp to get safely on and off furniture or getting regular massage therapy. A breed prone to heart disease may need to see a specialist for early screening tests.
Have a Dialog with Your Veterinarian
Your vet can offer valuable advice based on their past experience with pets of similar breed, background, and age. They may suggest more frequent blood work or dietary supplements to slow down the progression of age-related illness.
Healthy Levels of Exercise
Supporting your pet through a lifelong program of regular exercise and play can go a long way to ensure prolonged health both physically and mentally. Lethargy, boredom, and depression can lead to a number of other adverse health conditions. Help them to maintain a consistent level of activity that is appropriate to their age and breed.
Develop a Team of Supportive Professionals
No matter the size or breed, from lap-sized house cats to hefty horses, it takes a team to keep them healthy. We all benefit from a team that works together for the animals’ best interest. The Breeder, Trainer, Groomer, and Vet all provide supportive services to guide pet owners through the various life stages. An Animal Communicator or Animal Medical Intuitive can be a valuable addition to any pet’s support team.
The Role of an Animal Communicator
In my earlier blogs, Scenarios When You Would Use an Animal Intuitive Part 1 and Part 2, I discussed how animal communication and medical intuitive work can help support pet owners through the process of illness and treatment. But this tool can be even more powerful when used early and regularly to monitor wellness, vitality, pain levels, and overall emotional well-being. The subtle changes that come with age are often easier to spot when compared to the normal baseline. Pets often mention early onset symptoms as part of an animal communication session. They are able to sense and feel subtle changes in their body that can provide early warning before disease symptoms are outwardly visible.
Some early warning signs that animals have reported to me include:
- Irregular heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Throbbing hoof pain in horses
- Decrease in hearing and vision
- Pain related to bone spurs and arthritis
- Tooth pain
- Headache due to high blood pressure
- Tingling and numbness in extremities
The reporting of these early warning signs in each case resulted in a thorough veterinary exam and early treatment of disease before severe symptoms could manifest.By planning ahead, engaging in preventative health care, and teaming with supportive professionals, we can help our animal companions to remain energetic and pain-free well into their senior years.