You asked, so we answered. here are some questions PetMD Facebook Viewers talked about keeping senior pets happy and healthy. If you have a senior pet, read what veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates has to say about helping senior pets reach their golden years.
Answer by Jennifer Coates, DVM
1. Veterinarian costs can be prohibitive, especially for older dogs who require more frequent visits. Are there payment plans that make senior dogs cheaper, just like in the human world? – Vivian Spiteri
Veterinary care, especially for older dogs, can be expensive, but there is help available. many pet health insurance Discount plans for veterinarians are also available, but you need to know exactly what you’re getting for your money before signing up.
Traditional pet insurance probably won’t cover any pre-existing conditions your senior dog or cat may have, but it may help if something new arises. Some policies include wellness care for an additional fee.
Veterinarian discount plans etc. pet guaranteeworks a little differently. When you pay a monthly or yearly fee, you receive discounted veterinary services only from “network” veterinarians. Check to see if there is a veterinarian in your area that you feel comfortable consulting with.
2. What is the effect of CBD oil on age-related arthritis? – erin baker chester
Many studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of using CBD oil to treat arthritis, but there are very few results available at this time.
one papera paper published in 2018 that reported on just 10 senior dogs who completed the study, found that CBD oil can reduce pain and promote activity in cases of naturally occurring osteoarthritis. It was found to be effective. The authors did not report any serious side effects associated with CBD administration.
More scientific research is needed to say definitively whether CBD oil is a good option for treating arthritis in older pets, but preliminary research is promising.
Remember that many other complementary therapies for osteoarthritis have evidence supporting their use. Examples include weight loss, nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine hydrochloride, acupuncture, therapeutic lasers, and physical therapy.
3. My 13 and 14 year old healthy dogs take me for walks every day, weather permitting. How much/often is too much? One of them loves it more than the other. My 14 year old son is a bit cranky, is this normal for his age or is it normal?My vet says they are both in great condition. he said. – Deb McGuire
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for senior dogs. Not only does it help keep your body strong, but it’s also a great way to provide mental stimulation.
That being said, if your 14-year-old hasn’t always been “grumpy”, it’s worth talking to your veterinarian for further details. Changes in temperament can be a sign of undiagnosed pain or other health problems.
Senior pets tend to be very stoic, especially at the vet’s office, so your dog may have symptoms that are hidden from your doctor.
If your dog has recently received a clean bill of health, it may be interesting to see if a trial course of appropriate painkillers improves your dog’s demeanor, especially during walks.
4. I have a 9 year old female Rottweiler. Are there any supplements you recommend? – Demon Ember
Although nutritional supplementation should be tailored to your pet’s individual needs, some generalizations apply to many older dogs.
First, make sure your dog is eating a high-quality diet. This will ensure she gets all the nutrients she needs and eliminates the need to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Many senior dogs have or are at significant risk for osteoarthritis, so it often makes sense to give them joint supplements.
search dog supplements Options containing some of the following ingredients: low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, manganese ascorbate, avocado/soy unsaponifiables (ASU), omega-3 fatty acids, P54FP (turmeric extract), hyaluronic acid and/or Green-lipped mussels.
If your dog has specific health problems, your veterinarian can provide more detailed recommendations.
5. What health tests are recommended for older dogs? – renate glad rollins
Health exams are an important part of preventive care for senior pets. This is because the problem can be detected at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be effective.
Screening for parasites (such as heartworms and intestinal worms) usually doesn’t change as your pet gets older, but many veterinarians will start recommending additional tests when your pet reaches middle age.
For dogs, these additional laboratory tests typically include a complete blood count, a series of blood chemistry tests, and a urine test. Additional diagnoses may be warranted based on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, reproductive status, geographic location, and medical history.
Featured image: iStock.com/LightFieldStudios
