The life expectancy of dogs and cats is increasing: what can you do to care for an older pet?
In the past, pets, especially dogs and cats, typically had a life expectancy of up to 10 years. However, today, it's common to find pets that live up to 30 years, like Flossie, the world's longest-lived cat, or Bluey, the dog who lived up to 29 years.
This increase in pet life expectancy has not only meant that we can enjoy their company longer, but we are also beginning to see market trends aimed at improving the quality of life of adult pets.
The increase in pet life expectancy is due to advances in veterinary medicine, which has made it possible to diagnose and treat many diseases more quickly, but also to a transformation in the way people relate to their animals, their nutrition, and the emotional role they play within the family.
“Dogs used to live outside the home and were fed leftover homemade food, while cats were destined to live on rooftops and rarely received vaccinations or other treatments,” says Omar Andrade, a veterinarian who specializes in veterinary geriatrics.
The expert continues by mentioning that "currently, patients of all races and sizes come to our clinic, most of whom are over 12 years old and in very good condition."
For example, studies conducted in Japan have shown that the average lifespan of a dog is 13 years, while cats can live up to 16 years.
In Colombia, although there are no clear studies on the age of pets, it is estimated that the life expectancy of pets is shorter, reaching up to 15 years for dogs and 20 for cats. This, as the specialist explains, "is because awareness of care and preventive medicine has been changing in the country, but it is not yet as deeply rooted in Colombia compared to the United States, Europe, and even Brazil."
Older age, greater concerns Although the vast majority of owners find it positive that their pets have a longer life expectancy, the not-so-positive aspect is the diseases to which dogs and cats can be exposed as they live longer.
As they live longer, the specialist explains, "dogs can develop common problems such as osteoarthritis, heart failure, cancer, dental disease, and even what is known as Alzheimer's in dogs." Likewise, Andrade continues, "cats tend to develop kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, and also osteoarthritis." All of this has led veterinarians to increasingly pay more attention to veterinary geriatrics.
The desire for pets to live longer is so great that, in the United States, several companies are conducting research to extend the life expectancy of dogs.
Loyal, a San Francisco-based startup, developed the LOY-002 pill, designed to slow the aging process in dogs by regulating insulin. Similarly, the Dog Aging Project at the University of Washington is studying an immunosuppressant drug to improve cardiac and cognitive function in dogs. Preliminary studies have shown that low doses of the treatment alone have added up to three years of healthy life to pets.
Tips for a healthy life If a dog or cat owner wants to enjoy their pet longer, veterinarian Omar Andrade offers some recommendations:
- Regular veterinary checkups: When animals reach adulthood, which can be between 4 and 5 years old, they may require annual visits to the veterinarian. However, as they grow older, these visits should occur at least every 6 months. "As animals age, their organs and systems tend to deteriorate rapidly, and it's important to diagnose early to begin treatment," says the specialist.
- Diet: A fundamental part of keeping a pet in good condition is its diet. Nutritional requirements change with age, and owners should be aware that, as adults, pets will need more protein and less carbohydrates. Another important factor, Andrade mentions, has to do with particle size, since "as pets age, they can lose teeth and need softer, different-textured feeds."
- Physical Activity: Dogs and cats are very active animals. “They always want to be running and playing, but as adults, physical activity should be moderate and low-intensity to avoid injuries, fractures, or other bone, muscle, and nerve problems,” he recommends.
- Home Improvement: When you have older pets in your home, it's important to adapt the home to allow them to move around safely and minimize the risk of accidents. "Nowadays, you can find ramps, stairs, orthopedic beds, and non-slip floor inserts, which will improve your pets' quality of life."
- Be alert: Any change in behavior can indicate pain or deteriorating health. Therefore, it's important to always be alert to changes in habits so you can consult your veterinarian promptly.
GABRIEL GARCÍA - FOR TIME
eltiempo
