According to Weis, as animals approach 10 and older, owners should pay particular attention to changes in weight and thirst levels. When Rutland put on 30 pounds, Markiewicz, who lives in Buckingham, knew something was wrong but never suspected her dog would have a thyroid problem. Heart problems usually are indicated by coughing, exercise intolerance and night restlessness. Although dogs and cats suffer from similar problems as they age, some ailments are more unique to one or the other. Kidney disease, not arthritis, is the No. 1 problem to affect older cats, says Weis, and usually is indicated by increased thirst and urination.
Cats also are prone to hyperthyroidism.
Briton, who died in January two years after her stroke, also had congestive heart failure. According to Schmidt, who also serves on the board of the Bucks County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the yearly cost for keeping a pet doubles after they hit the age of 10. While some owners are reluctant to shell out that kind of money, he believes the advances in veterinary medicine warrant the expense. And anti-inflammatory medication has become so popular that no dog should suffer from severe arthritic pain. Periodontitis is a big problem.