Most companion animals compensate extremely well for their loss of vision and move about their abode with ease. Sometimes the owner is the last to know that his pet has gone blind and won't discover it until furniture is moved. A reluctance to leave the house by an animal who used to cherish his walks may have its roots in diminishing vision. If you suspect that your pet is having difficulty seeing, a trip to the veterinary ophthalmologist is in order. Like their human counterparts, many older animals gain too much weight.
Obesity is due to reduced activity, over-feeding and a lower metabolic rate.
The additional weight stresses the heart and can exacerbate arthritis, resulting in an animal that is even less likely to exercise. Diet and exercise. A number of foods found at both grocery stores and specialty shops are formulated for older animals. Prescription diets are available for cats and dogs with heart, liver or kidney problems. Moderate play can keep muscles toned and blood circulating, and prevent constipation, which is a very serious problem.