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When pets get older, correct food and nutrition become even more necessary in order to keep your senior pet's health and welfare in good condition. By the time a dog reaches elder citizen status, the majority of owners have a strong understanding of their pet's eating patterns. It is possible that these feeding patterns will change when your pet gets older because he or she will be less active and will therefore eat less. Always seek the advice of a qualified pet care professional when deciding which food is ideal for your pet in order to ensure that the correct nutrients are being delivered.
Other considerations when eating a senior pet include the texture of food, whether or not to augment with vitamins or antioxidants, and the digestion of the meal. The presence of any change in hunger, on the other hand, may indicate the presence of something wrong. Especially in older pets, a significant increase or reduction in appetite may indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition, necessitating a visit to the vet for a check-up.
The guide provided by proud dog parents to aid other dog owners is a good source of information. Be mindful of the fact that there are websites that provide incorrect information and even sell incorrect dog items.
Changes in Appetite that occur suddenly
The first step in determining the cause of a sudden shift in your senior pet's appetite is to rule out whatever obvious explanations for the change. Examples include a pet not eating because of stress brought on by changes in surroundings or routine, an unsettled stomach, and/or a general feeling of unwellness. Other pets may consume less food because the food doesn't really taste or smell as enticing to them due to the fact that their senses are less acute. Additionally, the weather and the shift in season may lead your pet to miss a meal or two from time to time.
But if your senior pet repeatedly refuses to eat or significantly limits food intake, this may lead to weight loss, lethargy, and, at times, dehydration, all of which are potentially life-threatening conditions. If you are unable to pinpoint a plausible cause for the shift, you may also want to examine alternative possibilities, such as a medical issue. Similarly, a sudden rise in hunger in senior pets, although less common than a rapid drop in appetite, is a sign of a medical issue or a typical part of the aging process in pets. In general, excess weight gain in elderly pets should be avoided because obesity is associated with a variety of medical issues.
The guide provided by proud dog parents to aid other dog owners is a good source of information. Be mindful of the fact that there are websites that provide incorrect information and even sell incorrect dog items.
Ingestion of a foreign body
Your pet's sudden drop in appetite could be caused by an obstruction and blockage inside the intestinal tract, which is a common occurrence in animals. While this occurs frequently in dogs, who are more likely than cats to ingest a foreign object, it can also occur in older pets, who normally have less acute senses and may inadvertently ingest a foreign object via accident. Significant signs and symptoms of an obstruction are vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, inability to get a bowel movement, fatigue, as well as other changes in behavior, among others.
If you think your pet has consumed a foreign object, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The consequences of failing to take adequate action can be extremely serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. The veterinarian will perform a thorough exam and take cross to detect whether or not there is a foreign item or blockage in the animal's digestive tract. It is possible that surgery or hospitalization will be required, as well as monitoring if the item is expected to pass spontaneously. Following surgery, the prognosis is generally good and follow-up radiographs will demonstrate that the blockage has been removed.
Pets are commonly affected by a variety of endocrine diseases
The presence of an endocrine problem, a group of medical illnesses that affect the glands and hormones in your senior pet, is another possible explanation for their erratic eating patterns.
The following are examples of endocrine abnormalities in pets:
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing's disease is a hormonal imbalance.
One of the more visible signs is a notable difference in appetite, which is followed by increased thirst & urination, skin problems and hair loss, fatigue, and weight gain or loss.
Hyperthyroidism Manifestations and Symptoms
It's typical in dogs, particularly between the ages of 4 and ten, to have a thyroid illness such as hyperthyroidism, which alters the metabolism of the animal. Weight growth, despite the decrease or even no appetite changes, a dull coat, and dry skin are all signs of the condition.
An increase in appetite, losing weight, increased water intake and vomiting are all signs of feline hyperthyroidism. It also causes an increase in heart rate. Generally speaking, it affects older cats, with the typical age of onset being around thirteen. To confirm hypothyroidism, a blood sample will be required, and treatment will include the use of anti-thyroid medicine for the rest of one's life. In most cases, hypothyroidism may be controlled with medication.
Cushing's Disease in Senior Pets: What to Look for and Do
Cushing's disease is yet another endocrine illness that manifests itself in dogs when they are six years old or older, although it is extremely unusual in cats.
Cushing's illness manifests itself as the following symptoms:
- Increased desire to eat
- Drinking and urination have both increased.
- Hair loss across the body Skin that appears thin
- Lethargy as well as a pot-bellied appearance are common symptoms of depression.
Cushing's disease is a challenging condition to diagnose & requires a veterinarian to perform a number of blood and urine tests. Cushing's disease can be caused by a variety of factors, and the treatment will vary depending on the reason. In most cases, medicine and/or surgery are required in order for the canine to recover its health. Due to the fact that Cushing's illness is caused by a tumor either on pituitary and adrenal gland, the prognosis will be determined by the size and location of the tumor. If a tiny tumor is detected and treated promptly, the prognosis is extremely favorable.
Making it easier for your senior pet to maintain weight
Any reduction in your older pet's appetite should be closely watched. It is less common than a loss in appetite in older pets, but a rise in appetite may indicate the presence of an underlying medical issue. For older pets, it is especially vital to maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can lead to heart disease, along with bone and joint problems. Losing weight can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and other issues, among other things. An elderly pet's feeding habits may alter gradually over time, which is not uncommon; nevertheless, a sudden or abrupt shift should be taken seriously. Always check to see that your senior dog is getting enough nutrition to sustain a healthy and happy life. If you want to be sure that your pet is adequately taken care of, look into Pets Best Health insurance.
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