What are the most common diseases for aging cats and dogs?

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As your pet gets older, it will get frail and probably develop a disease or condition that affects its health. Much like the human body, an advanced age leads to a weakened immune system and some organs start having complications. Don’t worry though, most of these are treatable and your pet can have a painless old-age.

Here are the most common diseases for aging cats and dogs;

Kidney Problems

The kidneys eliminate waste and toxins, and maintain balance in the body. When the kidneys do not function properly, toxins accumulate in the body, resulting in kidney failure. This lapse in proper kidney function can be caused by aging in cats and dogs. As you pet ages, their kidneys may become less efficient at removing waste and toxins.

Prolonged kidney failure is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD). A pet suffering from CKD may display symptoms such as drinking more water, frequent urination, vomiting, and weight loss. Luckily, CKD may be treatable if discovered early enough. A visit to a veterinary will enable them to take the best course of action.

Heart Problems

Yes, senior cats and dogs can also suffer from heart problems. Common heart diseases for older cats and dogs include cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. These diseases affect blood pumping throughout the body, leading to other problems such as general body weakness, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and coughing.

Heart diseases can be complicated to treat in senior pets. Be sure to take your cat or dog to the vet as soon as you notice any of the symptoms of heart disease.

Thyroid Disease

Senior cats and dogs are at high risk of developing thyroid problems. The thyroid is a gland that produces and releases thyroid hormone. This hormone controls metabolism in your pet’s body.

Cats and dogs commonly develop hyperthyroidism; this means their thyroid gland is producing excess amounts of thyroid hormone. This puts the metabolism of the cat or dog in overdrive, which can cause further problems such as severe heart disease, breathing problems, diabetes, and obesity. Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism include hyperactivity, increased appetite with weight loss, and increased thirst and more frequent urination.

Thyroid problems in cats and dogs can also be treated. Make sure to take your senior cat or dog to the vet for diagnosis and treatment if you spot any symptoms.

Arthritis or Joint Problems

Cats and dogs can be very agile and active when they are younger. In their daily activities, they may often jump and climb on different surfaces. However, these activities can be very taxing on their joints, and as the animal ages they can develop osteoarthritis.

Your pet can be very good at making joint pain, particularly cats. Subtle signs to loo for include the animal spending more time than usual sleeping and less time playing, aversion to climbs such as stairs, limping, difficulty standing or walking, licking or chewing at the aching joint, wincing in pain when they get picked up, and irritability.