Your Money: As pets live
longer, they may need long-term health care
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[September 14, 2016]
By Chris Taylor
NEW YORK (Reuters) - If you think only
humans are living longer, check out Willoughby.
The adorable little shih tzu from Atlanta is still trucking at the
ripe old age of 18. In human terms, that puts him well over 100.
It is no fluke.
Dogs are now living an average of 11.8 years, according to the 2016
State of Pet Health report from privately owned Banfield Pet
Hospital, which operates veterinary clinics around the United
States. That is up from just 11 years in their 2013 study, and 10.5
years in 2002.
Cats are also enjoying more golden years, an average of 12.9 years,
or roughly 70 in human terms. That is up from 12.1 years in the 2013
study, and 11 years in 2002.
"Dogs used to be considered geriatric at six or seven. But these
days larger breeds can make it to 15 or 16, and smaller breeds can
even live up to 20 years," says Laura Coffey, author of the book,
"My Old Dog: Rescued Pets With Remarkable Second Acts."
Owner preferences are increasingly tilting toward the longer-living
smaller dogs, says Dr. Kirk Breuninger, a veterinarian and lead
researcher for the State of Pet Health report.
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Pets are living longer, primarily due to "education about pet
health," says Breuninger, including more check-ups and medication.
In the past, elderly pets with health problems might have just been
put down.
Also helping is better nutrition. Gourmet pet food, which some
consider healthier, now accounts for more than one-half of the U.S.
market, according to research firm Euromonitor International.
In total, Americans spent a record $60 billion caring for their pets
in 2015, according to the American Pet Products Association.
You don't have to tell that to Willoughby's owner Niv Persaud, a
financial planner in Atlanta. She spends around $100 a month on
medications for dry eyes, arthritis in the hips, and a heart murmur.
A pet owner doesn't need to go broke caring for their animal
companion. But one does need to be aware of additional costs as pets
age, and prepare for potential health problems before they turn into
a crisis. And consider ways to minimize the outlays that will
inevitably arise. Here are some tips on caring for your little
Methuselah:
* Be proactive with preventive care
Just like with humans, wellness programs can help prevent more
serious (and costly) health issues later on. Administering heartworm
medication from an early age, for example, is one way to potentially
lengthen a pet's life, Breuninger says.
By quickly identifying conditions, like kidney disease in cats, you
can design specialized diets that will boost lifespans and extend
quality of life.
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People walk their dogs along the beach after sunset in Cardiff,
California January 27, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake
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* Get covered
Some of the array of conditions that tend to affect senior pets, according to
Breuninger, include arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
Insurance from providers like Nationwide Pet Insurance (formerly VPI), Healthy
Paws or Petplan can help allay the costs. The U.S. market amounted to $688.8
million in premiums in 2015, covering 1.4 million pets, according to the North
American Pet Health Insurance Association.
* Don't overlook dental work
Owners do not tend to think much about their pet's teeth, but a lot of older
dogs have dental issues, says Coffey. If you remember how painful toothaches can
be, think about how your pet feels. Consider paying for professional cleaning
and tooth extraction if necessary, which can be "life-changing" for afflicted
pets.
* Retrofit your home
Just as you would for an elderly parent, look to make your home comfortable and
safe for elderly pets, advises Coffey. Rubber mats and runner rugs are better
than hardwood floors or tile, which lead to more slips and falls, and are harder
on arthritic joints.
* Consider rescues
An increasing number of pet-welfare organizations focus on placing senior pets
in loving homes. As part of the adoption, they might help with health
examinations and coverage for prescription medicines. Check out the
state-by-state resource guide on Coffey's site (http://MyOldDogBook.com).
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"Don't be scared to take in an older animal," says Coffey, who shares a home
with Manny, a 10-year-old Labrador retriever, and Frida, a 12-year-old Rhodesian
ridgeback. "You are making such a huge difference in the life of a little
creature who has otherwise run out of options."
(Editing by Beth Pinsker and Jeffrey Benkoe)
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