Mature Pet
Cats and dogs over the age of 7 are generally considered mature pets. As they enter this life stage, the body begins to degenerate in various ways, health may deteriorate, and the risk of illness and chronic disease increases substantially. Therefore, relevant nutritional supplements and regular physical examinations are necessarily based on the crucial medical concept that "prevention is better than cure."
Senior Cat Diseases
Arthritis
Arthritis is more common in older cats than many cat owners realize. Unfortunately, the symptoms of arthritis are often mistaken as "normal" changes in aging. Cats with arthritis will usually become less active, sleep more, and may no longer be able to access perches and other elevated surfaces. If left unaddressed, arthritis-related pain can significantly alter a cat's quality of life.
Chronic Renal Disease
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include loss of appetite and vomiting, increased thirst, increased urine output, and weight loss. Diseases affecting the kidneys are common in older cats.
Essentially, the kidneys act as a filtering system that removes many of the waste products produced by the cat's body. Once filtered from the cat's blood, these wastes are excreted through urine. When aging changes or any other process damages the kidneys, waste products are no longer filtered efficiently, causing these products to build up in the cat's blood. This accumulation of waste products in the blood is called azotemia.
Feline Diabetes
Diabetes causes blood sugar or blood sugar levels to rise. Risk factors for feline diabetes include being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle. Most cats diagnosed with diabetes require insulin injections. Diabetes remission is possible if aggressive treatment is started early in the disease before the pancreas is "exhausted," trying to produce enough insulin to regulate elevated glucose levels. If remission occurs, insulin will no longer be required. However, insulin injections are necessary for the rest of the cat's life if relief does not happen.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland that produces excess thyroid hormones. Excess hormones can have many different effects on cats. Many cats with hyperthyroidism lose weight despite an increased, sometimes vigorous, appetite. Other symptoms vary, including vomiting, diarrhea, more water drinking, and increased urine volume.
Senior Dog Diseases
Arthritis
Arthritis is more common in older cats than many cat owners realize. Unfortunately, the symptoms of arthritis are often mistaken as "normal" changes in aging. Cats with arthritis will usually become less active, sleep more, and may no longer be able to access perches and other elevated surfaces. If left unaddressed, arthritis-related pain can significantly alter a cat's quality of life.
Obesity
Dogs can become overweight at any age, but aging makes it easier for older adults to gain weight. Obesity can cause or complicate health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. To prevent obesity in senior dogs, reduce calorie intake as your dog slows down. Also, be sure to keep exercising. Consider taking multiple short walks throughout the day rather than one or two long walks if endurance is an issue.
Dementia Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome （CDC)
As they age, dogs show developmental changes similar to humans with dementia and Alzheimer's. These signs are subtle at first but can become very serious and lead to reduced quality of life. Signs of dementia in dogs include disorientation, confusion, pacing/wandering, standing in a corner as if lost, walking to the wrong side of the door, vocalisation, withdrawing or not interacting with family, urination/fecal incontinence, altered sleep patterns, restlessness, and more. Many of these can be symptoms of other illnesses, so be sure to see your family vet. There is no cure for dementia or cognitive impairment, but some medicines and supplements may help.
Incontinence
Old-age changes to body organs, muscles, and nerves can make it harder for your dog to "hold it" as before. Incontinence can be a sign of many different diseases, so it is essential to have your veterinarian rule out conditions such as kidney, bladder, or neurological disorders. If no other health concerns are identified, you must adjust your schedule to allow your dog to go out to the toilet more often or consider using dog diapers.
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