Be sure to watch out for such things as heart problems in dogs and kidney problems in cats. Other things to be aware of as your pet ages is a diminishing of the senses. Sight, smell, taste, and hearing all start to fade as time goes by. Also be aware that if your pet has not been neutered earlier in life problems with various reproductive organs may occur. Infections of the uterus and breast tumors occur with intact female cats and dogs.
Males frequently develop infections or tumors of the prostate.
Don't let all these things frighten you, however, for you can do many things to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a long time. The following suggestions are all things that you can do to help lengthen and improve the quality of your pet's life as it ages. Balance your pet's activity level and food intake to avoid excess weight gain. Your veterinarian can recommend exercise and a diet which is appropriate for your particular pet. Keep your pet's living and sleeping areas clean, dry and warm at all times.