Navigating Senior Pets: Advice for Pet Owners

Geriatric medicine in dogs and cats has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, in part due to the culture of pet ownership in the United States and better preventative care, nutrition, and medical management. The years of not knowing how the canine and feline brain ages are over. Now we understand more about how all organs age, and are better equipped to discuss concerns with owners. The crux of navigating senior pet medicine is balancing what we can and can not control with the family. Other challenges include co-morbidities, stress on the aging animal, and this idea that "if I spend this money today, my animal could still die of something else in a week." It is sometimes difficult to work with geriatric pets due to their fragility, diminished senses, cognitive and mobility changes. However, the landscape of geriatric medicine is continuing to evolve and veterinarians play a beautiful role in assisting with the quality of life for this special population of patients.

• Understanding the aging body and personality in pets
• Overview of common health problems
• Practical clinical and medical tips for the veterinary staff and owner
• Learn ways to enhance the quality of life of this patient population