Caring for your ageing pets

Goni is suffering from a habitual kneecap dislocation, which means that the left hind leg can’t function properly. She limps almost every time she walks. It’s a common symptom for ageing pets in South Korea, as they live in apartments with slippery floors. 
The ageing population story isn’t limited to humans. Dogs and cats grow old too. And many pets in South Korea have grown old already, as many years have passed since pet ownership became a popular trend. 
Dr Iveta Becvarova, a veterinary nutritionist, met local “pet parents” who are worried about their furry friends in southern Seoul for a class on Monday. The session was hosted by Hills Pet Nutrition Korea, part of the global pet food firm.
“Pets’ lifespans have become longer, like those of humans. Dogs are likely to live 13 years, cats 12 years,” Becvarova told the class. “But people tend to deny the fact that their pets have grown old. Age is highly under-recognised, but aging doesn’t happen overnight.” 
Dogs start ageing when they turn 7. Those who are over 11 are considered old.
According to a 2017 research commissioned by Korea Pet Food Association, the average age of a pet dog in South Korea was 5.7 years old. Those aged from 8 to 9 accounted for 8.1 percent while those aged above 10 made up 17.3 per cent. At least 25 per cent of pet dogs in South Korea can be considered as reaching “retirement age”.
The vet professional told the class to look for five signs of aging in pets. First, look for signs that they have a confused sense of direction, like wandering at home or scratching the wrong doors. Second, check if there is a withdrawal of communication with the guardian. Third and fourth signs can be a change of sleep routine or urination. The fifth sign to look out for is fatigue. 
One of the most prevalent symptoms of ageing is obesity. Like humans, dogs don’t need much energy as they grow old, but since owners usually feed them the same, they tend to gain more fat. Obesity can be a threat to their health, leading to lameness. 
Similar to humans, the solution is an appropriate amount of exercise and nutrition. 
“We don’t feed human babies steak. Why would you feed the same kibble to an ageing dog? Dog owners should use the right type of feed,” the doctor stressed. “Also, you shouldn’t feed raw meat to senior dogs and cats as they have less energy to fight infection. The meat may contain bacteria.”
Above all, she highlighted the importance of “careful observation”.
“While these signs are natural in ageing, some might hint at a disease. It’s important to observe,” she said. “Do dogs whine or cry? Are they going to say, ‘I am not feeling well today?’ We won’t know until we carefully observe. It’s the only way to be with our loved ones longer.”