It’s hard to watch your beloved pet deal with the physical – and mental – challenges of ageing. Nicola Scott on how to help...
Vince ‘the prince’ – ruler of our family, whose demands are met before anyone else’s – has developed a few new habits: he’s taken to sleeping on my pillow (a definite no-no), shouting all the time, and has become so demanding of my attention that I can’t have a shower without him staring at me.
He frequently loses his footing on the wooden floor, occasionally skidding headfirst into the bi-folds. His fur is not quite as fluffy as it used to be and he seems to have gunk around his eyes permanently. He also farts a lot, which I admit has given us a few laughs, however, it has also brought home the sad reality that my boy is getting old. In fact, at 15, he’s now officially a geriatric feline.
Ageing is inevitable, and like humans, the body and mind start changing. However, with animals sometimes the signs aren’t always obvious. Physical symptoms – such as fatty lumps and warts in random places, arthritic stiffness, rotten teeth accompanied with rotten breath, weight loss or gain – often trigger a trip to the vet, but cognitive issues can go under the radar. Take senility, for example. Like humans suffering from Alzheimer’s, the early signs can easily be dismissed as part of the ageing process, but left untreated can quickly escalate.
“I thought Lucky’s unresponsiveness was due to deafness, but she became withdrawn and no longer wanted to be part of the family, sleeping under the table instead of getting on the sofa for a cuddle,” says Alison, owner of 12-year-old Staffie, Lucky.
“She appeared disorientated and really anxious. Some days she didn’t want to be anywhere near me, others she’d be demanding and needy.”
Alison took Lucky to the vets when she started sleeping all day and pacing all night. She was advised to use a crate as her safe place, change her routine to encourage a better sleeping pattern, and was prescribed Vitofyllin [a drug to improve alertness and energy].
“Lucky seems happier and more settled since we started the treatment, however, she’s not the same dog. It’s not been easy and it kills me to see this change in her.”
You know your pet better than anyone, so if you notice any changes no matter how subtle speak to your vet. ‘He’s slowing down’, ‘not himself’, ‘a bit stiff when he gets up in the morning’ or ‘has become aggressive’ can be the early warning signs of age-related, often painful, health issues.
Your vet will be able to advise on the treatment options, which include medication, special diets, supplements and alternative therapies. You may need to adapt to your pet’s new routine and adjust your home to improve his quality of life, but with the right support and care, you can have many happy years together.
“I’ve learnt to manage Lucky’s condition and appreciate the good days when she lies on her back and lets me fuss her,” says Alison. “I enjoy these moments more than anything.”
