Wag'n tails Silver

Many of us have accompanied our pets, side-by-side, through the aging process.. something we don't want to think about, much less confront. Yet, with our help and alertness, our senior pets, aka 'Silvers', *can* maintain a sound lifestyle well beyond their muzzles first graying and emerging shifts in behavior, these first 'Signals of Silver'.

When is your pet a senior? Some advise 7 years, some older. Your elder pet's physical history and genetic makeup will account for much of your definition of 'senior'. More importantly, you *will* know when your pet's Silver days begin.

To maintain your Silver's health,
there's You, and your Vet:
If you don't have a close relationship with your veterinarian, BUILD one now. If you don't have a vet, ask local pet owners for references and referrals. A capable vet is your Silver's front-line defense against aging and its associated effects.

As soon as signs of aging become evident, talk to your vet about strategies that will enable your Silver to maintain an active, healthy, pain-free lifestyle for the longest possible time. At this point, preventive and possibly proactive measures are needed for maintaining health and comfort for your Silver. Rely on your vet to discuss treatment options, medication, and don't be afraid to ask, ask, ask questions, questions, questions! Your being informed will only enhance your pet's chances of maintaining his/her high quality senior status.

Schedule your Silver for a 'Pet Wellness Exam' at least twice a year. Pets age faster than humans, so you need to be sure your veterinarian is monitoring your pet's health on a more frequent basis. Hopefully, your vet has seen your senior many times in the past and has a complete history. If your Silver has not been thoroughly examined by a vet, now is the time! This will furnish a baseline against which all future progressive conditions and investigations will be measured.

PRESENTATIONS OF SILVER

Coat/Skin/Body Changes:
If your pet has a coat requiring regular grooming, you may have the advantage of input from your groomer re: changes in coat and body condition. If you don't use a groomer, you will be the one most aware of any coat or skin changes, lumps or tenderness. Immediately become familiar with what is 'normal' for your Silver. Perform your own baseline exam now, and continue routine checking of your pet from head to toe, including eyes, ears and teeth. (This procedure can also be stimulating and fun for your Silver, especially if it's presented as a 'game'.) By doing routine checks yourself, you'll find any changes from your last check. Notify your vet of any abnormal findings. You will be advised of those requiring immediate attention, and those you need to keep an eye on.
A Change of Pace:
Like us, our Silvers will experience a slowing down with age... less jumping, less fancy pounces and moves. You may notice a slight limp has replaced a once smooth stride, and may be indicative of problems needing your vet's attention. If you become aware that your pet does nothing but sit-stay-lay, consult your vet. An exercise regimen that's best for your pet can be discussed that will keep your Silver physically active and mentally alert. Silvers may require more rest, but a moderate amount of regular exercise should be encouraged, as it offers a host of physical and emotional benefits. Also, modifications may need to be examined for weather, as the older pet may not have the tolerance for temperature extremes he/she once had. (Always provide ample water during and after increased activity.) Regular exercise helps keep your pet's bones and muscles strengthened, and as a result, joints stay more stabilized. However, only your vet can advise you on an exercise program specifically for your pet. Never initiate increased exercise without consulting your vet first.

Your veterinarian may advise that regular exercise can even play a part in slowing the onset or progression of canine and feline arthritis, and can offer medication that can help your Silver live comfortably if he/she does develop arthritis. Always inquire of possible side-effects and 'track record' of any medications prescribed for your Silver. Ask if any alerts have been issued on any of the medicines and ask to see their product information sheets, or have them explained to you.
Dietary Needs:
Slowed metabolism, lack of activity/exercise can hamper weight control in a senior. Added body weight stresses your Silver's skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Diet may need to be adjusted by changing to a food made for senior pets; however, always check with your vet prior to making this change, and also before adding any vitamin supplement to your Silver's diet, as these supplements can cause an inbalance of nutrients.
Increased Sleep:
If you've noticed your Silver sleeping excessively, report it to your vet. Don't be too quick to attribute this to old age. It may be that your senior has a condition for which there is effective treatment. Another consideration may be that you are interacting w/your senior less. Are you providing the stimuli for them you once did? Especially at this stage, we want to encourage our elder pets to do 'fun' things with the family, reinforce voice commands, anything to stimulate them mentally and physically.
Dental Signals:
Dogs and cats alike have dental problems, the most common resulting from plaque and calculus buildup. Food material, bacteria and saliva may accumulate and adhere to the tooth surface, forming plaque. If plaque buildup continues, solutions of chalk-like materials form a hardened dental calculus on the tooth surface. Calculus is seen more frequently in Silvers fed large quantities of soft foods.

The first evidence is usually bad breath, or painful chewing, which alerts us to look for problems. What we may find are red, swollen and/or receding gum lines, and brown, stained teeth. Talk to your veterinarian about the special liver/meat-flavored, toothpastes and how to brush your Silver's teeth. Regular dental examinations conducted during your senior's physical examinations are recommended.

Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice big changes in your Silver's breath, or if they have difficulty eating and chewing. Don't let serious dental problems go unchecked, as they can be detrimental to your senior's health beyond the condition of his/her teeth.
Auditory and/or Visual Changes:
Are these really a result of age? Some changes in a senior's senses of sight, hearing and even smell, are inevitable. But experience has shown that Silvers who live in stimulating environments--where they are kept mentally alert and physically active through daily play or exercise--are better equipped to compensate for the gradual loss of some of their senses than those elder pets who aren't as physically and mentally stimulated. Important insights likes these can help you make the most of your Silvers many senior years! Sometimes sensory changes are caused by medical conditions that can be treated. Your vet can provide you with the best counsel.
Any Unusual Behavior:
A whine upon rising, a long stare, increased water intake.. anything out of the ordinary should be reported to your vet promptly. Like humans, our senior pets become more vulnerable not only to conditions, but disease. Diagnosed in time, these may be treatable. Remember, no one knows your pet like you. It's entirely valid to take your pet to the vet with no more of a signal report than, "Something's just not right." If your vet dismisses this observation, find another vet, because you KNOW your Silver and no more detailed report should be needed for a comprehensive work-up.

We can't do less than give our pets every possible chance to be healthy and happy; but, we can't do it alone. We depend on our veterinarian for knowledge and (hopefully) for his/her compassion, involvement, dedication and proactive intervention, prevention and well-care. Be selective in choosing your vet, as it directly effects your Silver's quality of life and your peace of mind.
"SILVER"
1. A pet's onset of & journey thru the senior years
2. An affectionate, crowning title given this pet
This page URL: http://www.wagsnet.com/wagntails/silver.html

ADD'L RESOURCES:

Web Pages:
Aging Pets - College of Vet. Medicine, Illinois
Pets Aging Gracefully - Pawprints & Purrs

Publications:
Complete Care for Your Aging Cat -Amy D. Shojai, Author
Complete Care for Your Aging Dog -Amy D. Shojai, Author

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