Old Age...it's not a disease!

One of the common things our veterinarians hear from owners of senior pets displaying physical or mental health symptoms is "Well he/she's old now so I guess this is normal".  However, we want to remind our clients that old age in and of itself, is not a disease!  Certainly our senior patients have some unique physical and mental health concerns that we do not see in our younger pets but that doesn't mean that there aren't options available to help your pet have the best quality of life possible and make their last months or years as comfortable as we can.  

An area of senior wellness that we would like to take a moment to discuss is in the area of mental wellness.  Yes it's true, animals can undergo cognitive changes as they age just as people do.  In fact, canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a syndrome found in older dogs that can be compared to dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people.  Some of the symptoms a pet with CCD can display may include the following: house soiling (having accidents when they never used to), appearing disoriented or lost despite being in familiar surroundings, prolonged periods of "staring into space", barking for apparently no reason or stimulus, vocalizing even when resting, increased irritability, and changes in the way they interact with family members (more needy or potentially wanting to associate less with the owner).

If you are noticing any of these symptoms in your senior pet, a consultation with your veterinarian is the best first step in identifying whether or not your animal may have CCD or could potentially have additional underlying medical issues affecting their behaviour.  If your pet is diagnosed with CCD, your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet, supplement, or alternative therapy (exercise and enrichment activities, acupuncture), and in some cases medication may be indicated.  These treatments can help to slow the rate of cognitive decline as well as to reduce any pain or distress associated with them.  If you have any concerns about your senior pet's physical or mental status, schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians to discuss options available for your furry family member!

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