As people age, they continually make adjustments to their lifestyle to accommodate those changes. Such examples include wearing reading glasses to view fine print or taking a supplement for joints to slow the onset of arthritis. As our pets age, they rely on us to make these adjustments for them. In this article we will explore some of the ways we, as pet owners, can make our pets’ golden years more comfortable.
With the advancements in veterinary medicine, we are seeing the life expectancy of pets increase. One of the most common age-related conditions our older pets experience is arthritis. A large breed dog may have a hard time walking on smooth surfaces, such as hardwood floors. The placement of area rugs throughout the home can help make it easier to walk. For smaller dogs who are accustomed to hopping on or off couches or beds, the introduction of pet stairs can help them still reach their favorite lounging spots. While a few steps may not be difficult for some pets, a long flight of stairs may present an obstacle for others. Owners of small dogs can easily carry their pets up or down a flight of stairs. For larger dogs, the use of a towel as a sling may help. This can be accomplished by rolling a towel and placing it under the dog's belly at the hips. As the pet walks, the owner can lift up on the towel, helping reduce the weight being carried by arthritic hind legs. Manufactured slings are also available from several pet companies. Medication can also help with an arthritic pet. The use of joint supplements, such as the glucosamine and chondroitin found in Dasuquin®, is one way to slow the progression of arthritis. For pets already exhibiting noticeable symptoms, the use of an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) such as Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®, or Metacam®, can help maintain their comfort. In addition, acupuncture and physical therapy have promising results in many arthritic pets.
Cats experience many of the same age related issues as their canine counterparts; some might argue that they are just better at hiding it from their owners. Just as with dogs, the use of joint supplements such as Dasuquin® can help to slow the progression of arthritis. Cats can also benefit from some lifestyle adjustments. It’s not uncommon for cat owners to keep their pet’s litterbox hidden and out of view, but for an older cat this can sometimes be difficult. If a cat is suffering from arthritis, they may no longer want to scale stairs to reach a litterbox located on another floor of the home. Also, older cats can start to exhibit cognitive dysfunction and may simply not remember the location of a litterbox if it is kept far from where they spend most of their day. If an older cat suddenly starts having accidents outside the box they should see their veterinarian to rule out a medical condition. If no abnormalities are found, it may be beneficial to place the litterbox in a location that is easier for the pet to locate.
Cats are meticulous groomers and often require minimal assistance from their owners to maintain their appearance. As cats age their ability to reach their lower backs, tail, and abdomen can become a challenge. Brushing older cats daily, especially if they are a long haired breed, can prevent the painful mats from developing in their coats. Should these mats occur, please contact your veterinarian for the best way to remove these mats. While scissors seem safe, accidents frequently occur when inexperienced pet owners try to groom cats with them.
Our pets can provide us with love and companionship, and studies have shown this companionship to be beneficial to our own well being. It seems only fair that we should take interest in their well being, particularly as they get older. Even the smallest adjustments to their daily lifestyle can benefit their health and allow them to live a long and happy life.
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 The pet food aisles at your local pet store are filled with an infinite number of choices of flavors and formulas for your pet. For some pets, it may be necessary to eat only a certain type of protein due to an allergy. Other pets may need to obtain their food from a veterinarian due to a medical condition. However, the majority of pets can eat a regular commercial diet, and it is important that the chosen diet be appropriate for the life stage of the pet.
There is no question that when you get a puppy or kitten, you feed them a puppy or kitten diet. Why? These “growth” formulas are higher in calories than an adult diet and contain more of the necessary vitamins and minerals required for optimal muscle development and bone growth in young animals. Because of their high energy needs during this development stage puppies and kittens also require more frequent feedings, typically three times a day until they reach 4 months. By 9 months of age your veterinarian may recommend the gradual introduction of an adult diet.
Adult formulas, or “maintenance” diets, offer the optimal nutrition to maintain your pet’s health. Adjustments may need to be made for some adult pets to a "light" or "weight control" formula if their activity levels do not match their caloric intake needs. Failure to recognize this disparity can result in obesity. Remember: maintaining a healthy weight can add years to a pet’s life.
Most veterinarians consider a cat or dog to be entering their senior years at or around the age of 7. It is at this time that the discussions begin to arise about switching to a "senior" or “mature” diet. Is this change necessary and what are its benefits?
As pet’s age, their digestive needs change. Senior formula diets are typically lower in protein and calories than adult formulas to help prevent weight gain in pets whose activity levels are naturally slowing down. Senior diets also contain more fiber and are designed to be easier to digest. These diets are often high in antioxidants which prevent cell damage and may even contain glucosamine to help maintain joint health.
Senior pets benefit from twice yearly vet visits, regular wellness bloodwork, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Switching your older pet to a senior diet is a key part of that maintenance. Talk to your veterinarian today about your pet’s diet and making sure you and your pet are well prepared for their golden years. |
 Each October the veterinary community sets aside a week to show appreciation for veterinary technicians. At Raritan Animal Hospital our staff of veterinary technicians wears many hats. In addition to the individual nursing care they provide each of our hospitalized patients, our technicians are also proficient in running in house laboratory tests, prepping for and assisting with surgical procedures, as well as obtaining detailed patient histories during appointments and educating our clients on important aspects of pet wellness. One of the roles they also provide that our clients may not be aware of is the availability of scheduled appointments with technicians.
Technician appointments are meant to be supplemental to regular veterinary visits and are not intended to replace the need for a pet to be seen by a veterinarian for physical exams and vaccinations. Rather our technicians are available to draw routine blood tests particularly in cases where patients are on a medication whose levels must be regularly monitored. Also vet tech appointments consist of regularly needed nail trims, anal gland expression, etc. Appointments with our technicians can also be valuable to clients whose pets require regular administration of subcutaneous fluids due to illness such as kidney failure.
Technician appointments are only available at our main hospital during weekdays from 10AM-12PM and 2-5 PM. In some cases the scheduling of technician appointments may need the approval of a veterinarian before being scheduled. Requests for appointments with a technician may be declined if a pet is overdue for a regular physical exam. Talk to our veterinarians today to see if appointments with our technicians may be a useful resource for your pets! |
This fall The Raritan Animal Hospital Group is happy to welcome some new members to our staff. Dr Rene Ferraris, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, joins our team of veterinarians. We would also like to welcome some new members to our team of receptionists. Heidi Milano and Abby Carroll join our hospital receptionists while Margaret Wheeler is our newest addition to the reception staff of Piscataway Animal Clinic. Last we would like to welcome Julie Lee back to our team of veterinary assistants, who are an essential part of our veterinary support staff.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our team click below!
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