Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Better care means dogs and cats are living longer now than they ever have before—and, as pets get older, they need extra care and attention.

It's important to remember that age is not a disease. Although senior pets may develop age-related problems, you can help your pet live a happy, healthy, and active life in their senior years by providing for their physical, mental, and health care needs.

Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets, before those problems become serious or life-threatening, which can lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Cats are generally considered “senior”after 10 years of age. However, dogs don’t have a universal age of seniority because of their wider variety in size. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds. For this and other reasons, experts suggest that dogs be considered “senior” when they reach the last 25 percent of the estimated life span for their breed. On average, using data from the American Kennel Club, this translates to the following ages:

• •        Small or toy breeds (less than 20 pounds): 8 to 11 years
• •        Medium-sized breeds (20 to 50 pounds): 8 to 10 years
• •        Large breeds (50 to 90 pounds): 8 to 9 years
• •        Giant breeds (more than 90 pounds): 6 to 7 years

What do senior pets need to stay happy and healthy for as long as possible?

No matter how well cared for, senior pets are vulnerable to aging-related issues, including certain diseases. This means that senior pets require more attention than younger pets, including more frequent visits to the veterinarian as well as possible changes in their diet and home environment.

Here are some basic considerations when caring for senior pets:

• •        Increased veterinary care: Senior pets need to see a veterinarian twice a year or more so signs of illness or other problems can be found and treated early, before they become bigger problems. Senior pet exams are similar to those for younger pets but more in-depth. These exams may include dental care, possible bloodwork, and specific checks for signs of aging-related diseases.
• •        Diet and nutrition: Senior pets often need foods that are more easily digested, provide different energy levels and ingredients, and contain anti-aging nutrients.
• •        Weight control: Weight gain in senior dogs increases the risk of health problems, whereas weight loss is a bigger concern for senior cats.
• •        Parasite control: Senior pets' immune systems aren’t as strong as those of younger pets. As a result, senior pets may not be able to fight off parasites or heal as fast.
• •        Vaccination: A weaker immune system means senior pets also might have different vaccination needs than younger pets.
• •        Maintaining mobility: Pets can become less active with age. Keeping senior pets active through appropriate exercise helps them stay healthier and more mobile.
• •        Mental health: Senior pets can show signs of senility or cognitive dysfunction. Stimulating them through interactions can help keep them mentally active.
• •        Environment: Senior pets may need changes in their lifestyle, such as new sleeping areas to avoid stairs, more time indoors, etc.
• •        Reproductive diseases: Non-neutered/non-spayed senior pets are at higher risk of breast, testicular, and prostate cancers.

Your veterinarian can help you with all of these considerations and provide you with recommendations tailored to your pet.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE?

The decision to euthanize a pet can be the most difficult — yet kindest — decision a pet owner will make. Sometimes, euthanasia is obviously the best thing to do for your pet. Other times, however, it can be hard to know whether a pet is having more bad days than good, or the pet’s quality of life is suffering.

Although the timing of euthanasia is a personal decision, you have help in making that choice. Your veterinarian can help walk you through any questions or concerns you have, including an honest evaluation of your pet's quality of life.