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<\/a><\/p>\nThe beginning of maturity in our pets depends on the species and size. It can be classified as follows:<\/p>\n
CATS–from 7 years old<\/p>\n
SMALL DOGS–from 8 years old<\/p>\n
MEDIUM DOGS–from\u00a0 7 years old<\/p>\n
LARGE DOGS– from5 years old.<\/p>\n
Getting older in dogs comes\u00a0 in 2 differing stages; the beginning of the first phase occurs more or less at 8 years old for small\u00a0 dogs, 7 for medium and 5 for large dogs. At this time, the preliminary signs are present, although not always evident. You can sometimes see\u00a0 greying of the fur,dental problems and a buildup of plaque, more time sleeping with weight increase due to\u00a0 less activity.\u00a0 During the second phase, 12 years old for a small dog, 10 for a medium and 8 for a large dog, is when the dog can be classified as senior and the ageing process speeds up with more\u00a0 evident signs.<\/p>\n
In the case of cats, from 7 years onwards, the animals show no age-related signs but internally there are cellular changes in that the cells don’t regenerate as efficiently as before. From 12 years old the changes become\u00a0 more noticeable–sleeping more, weight changes, less \u00a0 silky fur, behavioural changes such as disorientation, altercations\u00a0 of learning\u00a0 and memory….cellular ageing entails a progressive deterioration in distinct bodily systems and sensory capacity.<\/p>\n
To counter the effects of ageing in our pets and thus increase life expectancy and quality, in Clinica Ana Morales we have ‘PLAN GERIATRICO.’\u00a0 We advise this for cats from7 years old and for dogs, age and size as previously mentioned, because although we believe our pet enjoys 100% health, some signs of ageing can go unnoticed in the beginning. Sometimes some diseases, renal for example, when first spotted by the owner, can be too\u00a0 far advanced to be cured. Frequent checkups in our older pets are very important to help delay the ageing process, together with appropriate diet and, if necessary, medication.<\/p>\n
What are the most obvious symptoms of ageing?<\/p>\n
1.COGNITIVE DISFUNCTION.<\/p>\n
As our cats and dogs get older, age-related changes affect their brain. About 35%\u00a0 of\u00a0 pets over 7 show signs of senile dementia similar to those observed in humans, such as changes in behaviour: a\/ changes in sleeping pattern(sleeping a lot during the day but awake at night or sleeping at intervals) b\/\u00a0 strange habits(barking or miaowing at night without reason, rejection or aggressiveness, no interest in playing)\u00a0 c\/ loss of hygiene habits(messing in the house or\u00a0 unsuitable places in spite of\u00a0 having been outside previously) d\/ di <\/p>\n Like people, animals suffer age-related illnesses, joints wear down during\u00a0 life and cause inflammation and pain. Many dogs and cats suffer\u00a0 from arthrosis but it isn’t always very evident. This doesn’t mean to\u00a0 say they aren’t suffering and stops them from going out for a walk and playing normally.<\/p>\n How can we tell if an animal is suffering\u00a0 from arthrosis? Look to see if they have difficulty in getting up\u00a0 to greet\u00a0 you, if they think twice before going upstairs, if they don’t play as much as before, if they spend more time lying down and sleeping(very common in cats), difficulty in getting up when lying down, signs of pain on touching them, stiffness in the joints in the morning or difficulty in getting in or out of the car. Don’t assume that this is normal or due to\u00a0 their age. Our senior pets can be as active as before and they deserve our help in recovering mobility.<\/p>\n Ageing is a slow process which affects several organs. As we have already said the BRAIN suffers a reduction in the speed of\u00a0 neurotransmission, oxidising of\u00a0 the lipids, cognitive disfunction and a change in sleeping pattern. In the KIDNEYS there is a reduction in the rate of modular filtration and atrophy of the renal tubes; the HEART undergoes an ageing\u00a0 of the valves and cardiac muscles; the SKIN looses elasticity and becomes greasy; grey streaks appear in the FUR which also lowers in density; tartar accumulates\u00a0 in the TEETH which can cause mouth infections; and atrophy and muscular fibrosis can be produced in the MUSCLES.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Feeding our seniors.<\/p>\n Food specific for elderly pets benefits their health, it can also help\u00a0 delay the appearance of illness and thus prolong life. An appropriate diet offers protection against oxidative\u00a0 stress, improves brain health and protects the heart and kidneys. Food with sodium\u00a0 polyphosphate can delay dental plaque, vitamins and amino acids promote the synthesis of ceramides and limit the loss of water through the skin. At the same time the combination\u00a0 of highly\u00a0 digestible\u00a0 proteins contributes to the balance of the intestinal flora and digestive passage.<\/p>\n<\/a>sorientation(doesn’t\u00a0 recognise familiar people, animals\u00a0 or places, gets lost in known places) e\/activity(wandering aimlessly, apathy). An animal\u00a0 showing one or several of these behavioural changes could\u00a0 be developing COGNITIVE DISFUNCTION SYNDROME. This, like Alzheimers in humans, is a chronic and degenerative process which has no\u00a0 cure. However it’s possible to greatly reduce clinical signs and correct, or lessen, behavioural changes. The most important thing when faced with this type of illness is to maintain quality of\u00a0 life and to\u00a0 be able\u00a0 to enjoy their affection and company until the end.\u00a0 The sooner we begin a treatment plan, the\u00a0 better the chances of success. For\u00a0 this reason, at the first sign, a visit\u00a0 to the vet is very important to get the necessary advice.<\/p>\n\n
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