There are some health conditions that we’re more likely to develop as we age; the same is true for our pets but they can’t tell us if they’re feeling unwell. That’s why it’s important to look out for any signs and symptoms that could indicate your pet isn’t quite right.
Below are a few of the most common conditions that might affect our senior pets:
Arthritis in dogs
Years of wear and tear on your pet’s joints can lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (often called arthritis) is when the inside of joints becomes inflamed and painful making movement more difficult. The most commonly affected joints are elbows, hips and knees but any joint can be affected.
Kidney disease
The main function of kidneys is to filter toxins from the blood, regulate the body’s water levels and help control blood pressure. As your pet gets older, their kidney function might deteriorate. When kidneys don’t function properly, kidney (renal) disease develops which can lead to kidney (renal) failure.
High blood pressure in cats
There are many causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) in cats but the most common causes are kidney disease, heart conditions or an over-active thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Older cats are more likely to develop these conditions so it’s a good idea to be aware of the early signs of these diseases.
As your pet gets older, it’s more important we regularly check their health for the early signs of age-related health conditions. Please call us for further advice or if you’re concerned about your pet’s health.
