By Pauline Machado
During the month of February, attention turns to preventive measures against certain diseases, many of which affect the daily lives and quality of life of the elderly, as well as dogs and cats from the age of 7 onwards, when they begin to enter their senior years.
To discuss with us the importance of the Purple February Campaign, we invited the Veterinarian, Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos , who is also a professor and coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine course at Faculdade Anhanguera.
Information is very important not only for prevention, but also for improving their quality of life. Stay tuned!
Pet Med – To begin, please explain what the Purple February Campaign covers, especially for dogs and cats?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – The Purple February campaign for dogs and cats aims to raise awareness among pet owners about chronic and incurable diseases, primarily affecting older animals, such as Leishmaniasis, kidney failure, and arthritis. Inspired by the human Purple February campaign, which raises awareness about Alzheimer's, lupus, and fibromyalgia, this veterinary initiative encourages early diagnosis, palliative care, and improved quality of life for animals.
Pet Med – From what ages are dogs and cats recognized as senior animals?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – The average lifespan for dogs and cats is 7 years.
Pet Med – In the case of dogs, is there any interference based on size? If so, in what way?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – Yes, small and medium-sized dogs are considered senior animals from 7 years of age onwards, and in the case of large dogs, some show signs of senility as early as 5 years of age. Cats are considered senior from 7 years of age onwards.
Pet Med – What are the most common diseases in senior dogs and cats? Why do they develop in this age group?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – In the vast majority of cases, chronic diseases are the most common due to the natural aging of the body, for example, Joint diseases, heart and kidney failure, as well as diabetes, cancer, and dental diseases.
Pet Med – Throughout an animal's life, how can we prevent such diseases at this stage?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – Prevention is important, starting with a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups (annually), physical activity, a suitable environment, and mental stimulation.
Pet Med – How can family members identify, or at least suspect, that their dog or cat is beginning to develop one of these age-related diseases, or even if it is already in an advanced stage?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – The main change in the animal at home is a sudden and abrupt change in behavior and physical condition, such as weight loss, bad breath, difficulty walking, changes in urine and stool, and persistent coughing.
Pet Med – Are there treatments for age-related diseases in pets?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – This can vary depending on the disease, but for chronic diseases, a cure is not possible, although treatments are effective in improving the animal's quality of life.
Pet Med – Considering not only the mental and cognitive health of elderly patients, what other physical illnesses are they more susceptible to?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – Joint changes can lead to pain during movement and stiffness in the limbs, as well as cancer, which is quite common in older animals.
Pet Med – In this case, how can we treat or improve the quality of life for these patients in the coming years?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – Regular visits to the veterinarian will improve the quality of life for these animals due to management practices, as well as the continuous use of medication to relieve pain, if necessary.
Pet Med – For physical cases, how important is the use of supports that help reduce impact on joints, such as Pet Med's limb protectors?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – The use of limb protectors is very helpful for palliative care, especially in older dogs. However, it is important that their use is always recommended by a veterinarian.
Pet Med – And finally, how would Calm Pet help in cases of neurological dysfunction?
Adolfo Carlos Barreto Santos – Most of the time, animals with neurological dysfunction require special care related to attention, and the use of Calm Pet It brings a feeling of "hug," providing more comfort to the animal, especially during times of crisis.
