Cognitive Behavior Problems

It may seem like it was just yesterday that your pet was a puppy or kitten, chewing up the furniture, learning to walk on a leash and climbing up your leg with those sharp little claws. They grow up too fast, and now you realize, those "highlights" in its fur are actually gray hairs.

One of the most distressing events that parents of senior pets witness is unexplained alterations in the behavior of their furry family members. Your previously well house--trained dog starts to have accidents. Your cat, who used to perch on your computer keyboard every time you sat down to work, now is content to lie in its bed. Is this just old age or could it be something more serious?

An occasional lack of appetite is not unusual, but if it persists for more than a day or two, it could be significant. Causes for a decrease in appetite range from a sudden change of diet, diseased teeth, liver or kidney disorders, or even early signs of cognitive dysfunction, a pet's version of Alzheimer's.

One in five adult dogs suffers from osteoarthritis. Less than half of these pets are treated. Too often pet owners don't realize that difficulty rising, resistance to going on a walk or just being standoffish could be signs of arthritis. Or, they may not be aware that there are medications that are safe and effective, even for long term use, for the control of the discomfort of this progressive disease.

One of the primary reasons why veterinarians recommend that pets have a wellness consultation twice yearly, even when they seem perfectly healthy to you, is to establish baselines for organ function. Ever notice your pet drinking increased amounts of water, urinating more frequently or having difficulties with elimination? These can all be hallmarks of weakening internal organs. Routine blood and urine tests can help to detect these abnormalities. If they are discovered early, treatment is typically more cost effective and usually has a better outcome.

Advances in veterinary medicine are allowing our pets to live longer and healthier lives. With increasing age, also comes the chance that they will experience many of the same geriatric physical and mental changes that we see in our aging human population. Medications are now available to help reverse many of these symptoms.