Cats and dogs age quicker than we human beings. Due to genetics and other physical factors, our cherished pets only share their lives with us for a short time. Long-time fur parents understand the love that grows between human and pet and fears the pain of losing pets in the end.
Thus, we do whatever we can to prolong the lives of these devoted animals so we can love them a bit longer.
Keep an Eye Out for Signs
The scariest thing to realize is that your pet is sick, and you are powerless. You must be vigilant and keep an extra eye to see if there are physical and behavioral changes in our furry companions.
Behavioral Issues
Specific indicators that inform there is something wrong with pets might include a change in attitude. In some cases, it can be subtle, but it can tell that the animal is experiencing pain or pain. Some things to look out for are:
- Sudden aggression
- Not wanting to be touched
- Reluctance to sit or sitting on one hip
- Less or much more vocal
- Lethargy
- Unwillingness to eat or drink
- Moving while urinating or defecating; also unintentional urinating and defecating
Physical Changes and Conditions
An indication that pets need aid is physical issues. Some might be concealed under their coats. These signs can be seen quickly by keeping them as well-groomed as they need to be. Provide time to gently wash and groom your pets, or look for professional grooming for dogs near me who can work on senior pets. Things to check for are:
- Pale or bright red gums
- Crusty or oozing ears, typically accompanied by a nasty odor
- Skin problems like rashes, flaking, lesions, or pus
- Wounds and swelling
- Loss of hair
- A noticeable weight gain or loss
Emergency Symptoms
In many cases, pets with heart, kidney, liver, and oral illness or pets with cancer will have emergency concerns. Call your vet and rush to the emergency room if they are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Repeat vomiting or diarrhea
- Problem breathing
- Seizures
- Failure to urinate
- Severe pain
- Bloated or inflamed abdomen
Make sure you know your vet’s number. Calling before going to the emergency clinic alerts the team so they can get ready for your arrival.
What do the signs tell you?
The signs and symptoms tell us what they are experiencing and give us an idea of what we are looking at.
Pain manifesting in behavioral problems typically suggests that pets may be experiencing bone and joint pains. Conditions such as arthritis, advanced osteoporosis, or bone cancer might be the culprit. Skin problems reveal allergic reactions, hypothyroidism, liver illness, or diabetes.
Emergency symptoms like the inability to urinate may show bladder issues or kidney stones. They may be causing congestion as waste can not leave the body. Problem breathing might be the most serious emergency circumstance, and you should hurry to the veterinarian. Low oxygen levels, also called hypoxia, can lead to respiratory arrest and death if not attended to immediately.
What can you do?
See that senior pets visit their vet a minimum of two times a year. Let the vet know of any concerns you observe so that tests and laboratory work can be done instantly. Treatments like cold laser therapy veterinary or preventive medication can be recommended if needed. Proper grooming is likewise a must to allow you to see physical changes.
Prevention will be much easier than being surprised by these signs and symptoms. As accountable pet owners, give more time and attention to your senior pets to enhance their quality of life. This will give us a sense of peace that we have actually loved them well before they cross over the rainbow bridge.
