This post will walk you through some common emergency signs in senior pets and when it is time to head to the veterinarian.
As our pets age, their needs change, and they might become more susceptible to health issues. Knowing when to look for emergency care is essential to ensuring they live long, healthy lives. This post will walk you through some common emergency signs in senior pets and when it is time to head to the veterinarian.
Breathing Difficulties
Difficulty breathing is always a red flag, particularly in older pets. Monitor the following:
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Coughing or wheezing can indicate heart disease, fluid buildup, or respiratory infections in the lungs
- Open-mouth breathing (particularly in felines)
Weakness or Sudden Collapse
A senior animal suddenly stumbling, collapsing, or having trouble standing could be experiencing heart issues, neurological problems, low blood sugar, or internal bleeding. These are the common emergency signs in senior pets, as the underlying cause could be fatal. Moreover, seizures can happen at any age, but in older pets, they might be related to liver or kidney disease, brain tumors, or exposure to toxins.
Behavioral Changes
One of the common emergency signs in senior pets is behavioral changes, including aggression, confusion, or disorientation, which might indicate underlying health problems. These can include pain or discomfort due to arthritis or dental disease, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or vision or hearing loss. If your senior pet is in pain, he or she will show it by limping or avoiding movement, whimpering, whining, vocalizing, or panting.
Changes in Defecation or Urination
Senior pets might develop health issues with bowel or bladder control, but certain common emergency signs in senior pets include:
- Blood in urine or stool
- Struggling to urinate or defecate
- No urination or defecation for over 24 hours (These symptoms can occur due to kidney disease, urinary blockages, or gastrointestinal distress).
When in doubt, call or visit Alexander Animal Hospital. It’s better to be safe than sorry about your senior pet’s well-being. Proactive action can often make the difference in handling a severe condition and providing your beloved furry companion the best possible care.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!