Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, October 30, 1994                   TAG: 9411260004
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 11   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: KAREN DAVIS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

OLDER PETS NEED MORE CARE TO FEND OFF HEALTH DISORDERS

Pets today live longer because of advances in nutrition and veterinary science. Pet owners, as a whole, are becoming better educated about how to provide protected lifestyles to ensure their animal companions' good health and longevity.

Although the definition of ``old'' is as variable with pets as it is with people, cats and dogs generally are considered to be entering their golden years at around 7 to 10 years. Larger breeds of dogs tend to age more rapidly than smaller breeds, as do certain kinds of purebred cats.

Signs of aging include the predictable changes in hearing, vision, weight and mobility. The haircoat may thin or dull; the skin may get dry and flaky; and dental disease may make bad breath more pronounced.

Too, a normally well-house trained pet may begin having more accidents indoors. Many older dogs get so they cannot hold their urine as long as they used to and need to be let out more often. This often is due to loss of muscle tone in the bladder region, but also may indicate other health problems. In older cats, for example, kidney failure is quite common, and signs include increased thirst, frequent urination and an unkempt appearance.

For these reasons, more frequent veterinary attention for senior pets is a sensible and cost-effective way to detect age-related disorders early enough for proper management. For example, depending on the cause, available medications may help house-soiling problems.

Good dental care is equally important, as tooth loss and gum diseases occur more commonly in older pets. Bacteria from inflamed gums can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream and cause serious infections in other organs.

To help your pet have a healthy, happy old age, adjust its nutritional intake as its activity level declines. The pet food market has come a long way in the last 20 years in developing specially formulated foods for pets in various stages of life. Older animals require less protein for energy than do growing puppies and kittens, so it makes sense to select a "mature" or senior formula and feed according to the life-cycle concept. Avoid making any sudden dietary changes, however, and always check with your veterinarian first for feeding recommendations.

Obesity is the number one nutritional problem seen in pets of all ages. To avoid it, omit high-fat snacks and offer moderate, consistent exercise. Moderate exercise not only helps control obesity, it can ease mild arthritic pain, improve circulation and digestion, and keep aging muscles in good condition. Plus, those daily walks are as healthful for you as they are for your dog.

Indoor cats are not so easy to exercise, however, you can provide them with carpeted cat trees to climb and catnip-filled toys to chase and play with.

Senility may cause some older dogs to bark inappropriately or some cats to yowl and wander during the night. Physical changes in sight and hearing possibly contribute to this behavior as well, because the sensory input becomes distorted enough to make some animals feel nervous and disoriented.

Grooming becomes more important, too, as pets age. Because of arthritis or other problems, some older pets cannot keep themselves as clean as they used to. Regular grooming helps distribute natural oils through fur that may feel a bit drier due to age. The practice also provides a good opportunity for the owner to check for unusual lumps and bumps that may indicate tumors or infections. Don't forget to trim the nails, as a less active animal may not wear them down as efficiently as before.

Because of the loving bond you have established, your pet's golden years can be a rewarding time for you both. Lifelong preventive care helps ensure that your pet will enjoy a better quality of life during those years, so you can enjoy its company for some time to come.

Karen L. Davis is a Roanoke free-lance writer and pet owner. Her column runs twice a month. Send general-interest questions to The Pet Podium, in care of the features department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491.