By the time this article goes to print, I'll be 58. I suppose that one old dog can write about another. Here are a few thoughts on senior pet care.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer. However, with this increased life span comes an increase in the ailments that can afflict senior pets. As pets reach the golden years, conditions and diseases include weight and mobility changes, osteoarthritis, kidney, heart and liver diseases, tumors and cancers, hormone disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalance, and many others.

Just as the healthcare needs of humans change as they age, the same applies to pets. Pet owners should work closely with their veterinarian to devise a health plan that is best for their senior pet.

When is a pet considered a "senior?" Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Beyond that, the life span will vary with each individual pet's lifestyle. Your pet's golden years are, on average, reached at the age of 7.

Many older pets benefit from specially formulated food that is designed with older bodies in mind. Obesity is often the result of reduced exercise and overfeeding and is a risk factor for problems such as heart disease. Because older pets often have different nutritional requirements, these special foods can help control your pet's weight and reduce nutrients that are risk factors for diseases, as well as organ or age-related changes.

Older pets should be kept active as they get older — not using their bodies and minds will make them deteriorate much more quickly.

Of course, arthritic and debilitated pets should not have a strenuous workout regimen but otherwise pets should be kept as active — mentally and physically — as possible to keep them sharp and fit.

Pets experience pain just like humans do including acute pain, which comes on suddenly as a result of an injury, surgery or an infection, and chronic pain, which is long-lasting and usually develops slowly (such as arthritis). Monitor your pet to determine whether he/she suffers from pain.

Advances in veterinary medicine have given us wonderful medications to help the older pets thrive even with advanced stages of arthritis. Previcox medication has yielded great improvement in lameness and range of motion in my patients.

To help ensure your pet's comfort during senior years, work with your veterinarian to tailor a senior wellness plan that is best for your dog or cat. Monitor behavior and physical conditions and report anything unusual to help your pet head into the twilight years with ease. Veterinarians have the knowledge and tools to help older pets live a happier, healthier life.

Dr. Don Palermo is a veterinarian at Bienville Animal Medical Center in Ocean Springs, Miss.