Cats and dogs do age much faster than we humans. Due to genetics and other physical factors, our cherished pets just 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 lengthen the lives of these loyal animals so we can love them a bit longer.
Watch Out for Indications
The scariest thing to realize is that your pet is sick, and you are powerless. Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital will help you identify symptoms. You need to be really vigilant and see if there are physical and behavioral changes in our furry buddies.
Behavioral Issues
Specific signs that tell there is something wrong with pets might include a change in attitude. Often it can be subtle. However, it can tell that the animal is experiencing pain or discomfort. Some things to watch out for are:
- Sudden aggressiveness
- Not wanting to be touched
- Reluctance to sit or sitting on one hip
- Less or much more vocal
- Lethargy
- Aversion to eat or drink
- Moving while urinating or defecating; also accidental urinating and defecating.
Physical Changes and Conditions
A telltale sign that pets need aid is physical issues. Some may be concealed under their coats. Nevertheless, these signs can be discovered quickly by keeping them as well-groomed as they need to be. Provide time to bathe and groom your pets carefully, or try to find expert groomers who can work on senior pets. Things to look for are:
- Pale or bright red gums
- Crusty or oozing ears, often accompanied by a foul odor
- Skin issues like rashes, flaking, lesions, or pus
- Injuries and swelling
- Hair loss
- A noticeable weight gain or loss
Emergency Symptoms
In many cases, heart, kidney, liver, and dental diseases will trigger emergency problems. Call your vet and rush to the emergency room if they are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Repeat vomiting or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Inability to urinate
- Extreme pain
- Bloated or swollen abdomen
Make sure that you have your vet’s number handy. Calling before going to the emergency room alerts the team so they can get ready for your arrival.
What do the indications tell you?
The signs and symptoms inform us what they are experiencing and give us an idea of what we are looking at.
Pain manifesting in behavioral issues generally suggests that pets might be experiencing bone and joint pains. Conditions such as arthritis, advanced osteoporosis, or bone cancer may be the culprit. See here for a pet oncologist near me. Skin concerns reveal allergies, hypothyroidism, liver disease, or diabetes.
Emergency symptoms like the failure to urinate might suggest bladder problems or kidney stones. They may be causing blockage as waste can not leave the body. Problem breathing may be the most serious emergency situation, and you need to rush to the veterinarian. Low oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, can cause respiratory arrest and death if not addressed at once.
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 notice so that tests and laboratory work can be done immediately. Pet laser therapy or preventive medication can be recommended if required. Proper grooming is also a must to allow you to see physical changes.
Prevention will be simpler than being shocked by these symptoms and signs. As accountable pet owners, give more time and attention to your senior pets to improve their quality of life. This will give us a sense of peace that we have loved them well before they cross over the rainbow bridge.
