Aging pets make wonderful and loving companions, but like people, pets need special considerations as they age. By understanding the normal aging process, you will be better able to provide the environment your older pet needs to age with grace.

Pet Life Expectancy

How old is an old pet? This is a common question, and the best way to answer it is to consider life expectancy. Pet life expectancy depends on species, breed, genetics, weight, overall health, size and other factors.

Average Cat Life Expectancy

For domestic cats, the variable that seems to have the most influence on life expectancy is where the cat is kept. A study from Purdue University found that indoor cats tend to live about two and a half times as long as outdoor cats. Because the average life expectancy of an indoor cat is about 15 years, indoor cats are considered seniors when they are approximately 8 years old.

Average Dog Life Expectancy

Size seems to be the most important factor when it comes to calculating average dog life expectancy. As a general rule, smaller dogs live longer than larger ones.
The average 50-pound dog is expected to live for 10 to 12 years. A dog under 20 pounds might be expected to live longer than 12 years, and a dog over 100 pounds is only expected to live for six to eight years. This means that a mastiff is considered old at five or six years of age, but a miniature poodle is not considered a senior until it is closer to 8 years of age.

Life Expectancy and Breed

Because many purebred dogs and cats have a higher risk for certain genetic diseases, most veterinarians believe that mixed breeds have longer average life expectancies. For example, certain dog breeds, such as the boxer and golden retriever, have high cancer rates. These high cancer rates decrease average life expectancies for members of the affected breeds.

Normal Aging Changes

Pets tend to slow down as they age. They are not as spry as they once were, and they are more sensitive to temperature. They can also seem to have more trouble remembering things or learning new tasks and be more anxious and less tolerant of change.

Signs of Potential Health Problems

If changes happen gradually, they may be part of normal aging, but any sudden change or extreme alteration in behavior or physical status should be referred to a veterinarian. Some signs that the changes you are seeing might be due to a health problem rather than normal aging include the following:

•  Weight loss
•  Not eating
•  Difficulty breathing
•  Limping or difficulty walking
•  A lump or other growth
•  Diarrhea or constipation
•  Extreme thirst
•  Increased frequency of urination
•  Coughing
•  Rapid breathing
•  Collapse
•  Increased vocalization
•  Abrupt behavior changes

Veterinary Care for Senior Pets

Because aging pets are at increased risk of developing certain health problems, including arthritis, dental disease, certain cancers, thyroid problems, liver and kidney disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases, they need more frequent veterinary care than younger pets. Most veterinarians recommend that senior pets receive wellness checks every six months.

Lifestyle Changes for Senior Pets

Some lifestyle changes that can help your senior pet remain healthy and happy include the following:

• 1.  Maintaining a routine to reduce anxiety
• 2.  Controlling indoor temperatures
• 3. Feeding canned diets
• 4. Feeding multiple small meals to help aging digestive systems
• 5. Reducing the need for pets to jump or climb to reach their food or beds
• 6.  Handling animals more gently

Need help evaluating your senior pet’s needs? Book an appointment today!

dog photo 1 credit to Shelleyelizabeth under CC2.0

cat photo credit to  emdot under CC2.0

dog photo 2 credit to Henriette88 under CC2.0

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Spring is the season of puppies and kittens.  Often this is when we think about adding a new pet to the family.  The Martindale Animal Clinic Team has put together a few things to consider before bring a new pet home.

1. Cat vs Dog? Both dogs and cats require exercise, mental stimulation,  and social interaction.  Cats can be more self-sufficient and allow for owners to be away from the home for longer periods of time during the day.  Puppies require a great deal of interaction and teaching. 

2. Find a pet whose personality meshes with yours. In general, understanding the needs and characteristics of specific breeds is very beneficial.  Consider how active you and your household are.  Also, how big is your yard and your house?

3. Schedule a veterinary visit within the first few days after bringing your new pet home. Make sure to bring along any medical records you received from the adoption center. Getting your new pet to a veterinarian early will help make sure there are no underlying illnesses or injuries and allow you to develop a plan to help your new pet live the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible.

4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared for a new pet. Visiting the shelter or animal control facility should be a family affair. When adopting a new pet to join your existing pets, discuss with the adoption facility or your veterinarian how to make a proper introduction. 

5. Budget for both short-term and long-term costs. A pet adopted from a shelter may be a bargain, considering many shelters provide spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip. But make sure you’re prepared for the routine expenses you’ll incur throughout the pet’s life.

6. Stock up on supplies before the pet arrives. Try to create a homelike environment for your new pet right away. Depending on if you get a kitten or puppy – you will need a litter box, litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush, and nail clippers.

 7. Pet-proof your home. A new pet will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your pet might chew on, make sure the pet isn’t chewing on electrical cords, and pick up random items like paper clips, which they may swallow.

8. Go slowly when introducing your pet to new friends and family. It can take several weeks for a pet to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded in a single room with all of its supplies until it’s used to the new surroundings. Socialization is important, but remember: take it slow.

9. Include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list, and be sure to have a several-day supply of pet food and medications on hand.

Please remember that one of our Registered Veterinary Technicians

 is available to help with any behavior or training questions you have.

 We are pleased to offer this service at no charge

to our registered clients.

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Most of the important things I know I have learned from dogs.

I have lived with dogs my whole life which now equates to almost 1/2 a century. Most of the important things I know I have learned from my dog.

I know that living in the moment is the happiest place to be. Worrying about the past will not change previous events. Worrying about the future usually causes unneeded concern as most of it never occurs. If you are not living in the moment, where are you?

I know that most joy comes from simple things. I anticipate dinner every day and have been known (to the embarrassment of my children) to lick my plate, unaware of who may be watching.

There is nothing better than a walk to lift your spirits. Cool rainy days can be just as good as warm summer ones to appreciate the mood elevating effects of getting outside. Sharing this with my dog only makes it about ten times better.

Having a nap by the fire on a Saturday afternoon is definitely towards the top of my list. The dog bed beneath me, warm, soft and smelling pleasantly like my Petunia dog.

I have learned that in a new social situation being like the Golden Retriever in the room fosters new friendships. Standing shyly in the corner does not work. Hopping into the room wagging your tail, not worrying what people think and risk being a little silly and goofy allows other people to let their guard down.

Wake up in the morning like it is going to be the best day of your life. Step out of the front door with joy because today is going to be the day you are going to catch that squirrel. At night go to bed tired, happy and let your mind be quiet. The occasional satisfying toots are ok.

Ask my dog Petunia. She will tell you that she teaches me every day how to do it right!

Dr. Elizabeth McGill

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It is a privilege and honour to be a veterinarian.

Today I shared a very emotional journey with a long time client and friend. Today was the day she needed to say good bye to her dog of fifteen years. I remember Scooter as a puppy. Round and soft with sharp little teeth. Every time you looked at Scooter he peed in excitement. He licked my face. I remember Scooter getting porcupine quills, being treated for a twisted toe nail, treating ear infections. Later on we (Scooter’s Mom and I) made Scooter feel better when we treated his arthritis and got him walking better again. Made it easier for him to get up stairs to sleep.

Today I had no more tricks up my sleeve to make him feel better. My treatment bag was empty.

However, I could give Scooter one last gift. The gift of a peaceful passing. No need to go through the horrific days at life’s end. As we said good bye I cried, Scooter’s Mom cried and Scooter became peaceful and quiet.

It is a privilege and honour to share these very personal moments with my clients and friends. It is in these moments that I realize the trust and friendship that occurs between a veterinarian, their patient and their care givers. I am truly humbled.

Dr. Elizabeth McGill

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  Vacations with dogs can be a nightmare or they can be some of the most memorable trips of your life. It really all depends on the planning. Before you even decide to take Fido along, you should ask yourself a series of questions to make sure you are making the right choice. First, you should understand that taking your pet on vacation can make traveling more fun, but also more difficult. You need to account for toilet breaks, sleeping arrangements, and regular walks.  If your idea of a vacation is spending the day shopping or visiting attractions, then you (and Fido) would do better alone. Your dog’s personality is also important. Animals who bark continuously or are skittish around strangers, be it humans or other animals, are not good candidates for traveling.

Vacations with dogs can be fun only if you are sure that the trip will benefit both you and your pet. If that is the case, here are a few ideas on how to make the most of a vacation.

Is your dog comfortable in cities? Just take him along when you are visiting relatives or checking in a hotel for a few days. Many hotels and bed and breakfasts are pet-friendly and will not object to your dog’s presence. City holidays are a great idea for small dogs or those that  do not need a lot of exercise and will be happy to wait for you as you go shopping.

Beach vacations with pets are becoming more and more commonplace. While many areas have leash laws, others allow owners to unleash the animal if he/she can be kept under voice control at all times. Most beaches allow dogs to swim. Some beaches, like Long Beach, in California, have a special area dedicated to dog owners.

Camping is also a dog-friendly option, and many campgrounds even have special trails marked for people who want to give their companions a special treat. Certain places, like 4Peaks Cabins in the Adirondacks, make vacations with dogs the ultimate experience, as they encourage vacationers to bring their pets along to make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Whatever you decide to do, research the destination and the options beforehand. Make sure the place you select accepts dogs and organize everything accordingly so both you and your pet can enjoy the trip as much as possible. Also, making sure Fido has the correct vaccines  for travel or boarding,  and he/she is protected for fleas, ticks and heartworm disease.

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