VNA Level II Module 4: Communicating Wellness …vna.hillsvet.com/pdf/en-us/Module_14.pdfLearning Objectives . Learning Objectives. After completing this module, your basic understanding

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives After completing this module, your basic understanding should include:

• The role of wellness nutrition in helping senior dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. • Important nutritional factors for senior dogs and cats. • The benefits of Hill’s® Science Diet® Senior pet foods for dogs and cats. • Nutritional recommendations to pet owners, using Science Diet brand products.

Your progress is saved. Slide 1 of 16

VNA Level II Module 4: Communicating Wellness Nutrition - Senior Cats and Dogs

Introduction

Introduction

VNA Level II Module 4: Communicating Wellness

Nutrition – Senior Cats and Dogs


According to one study, senior-aged animals comprise 25 to 40% of the caseload in most veterinary practices (Hoskins JD, McCurnin DM. Geriatric care in the late 1990s. Veterinary Clinics of North America 1997; 27(6): 1274). Add to these statistics the attachment the “human family” has for these furry friends of 7+ years, and one can easily appreciate the importance of regular veterinary care for older pets. A critical component of this care, as with all lifestages, is proper pet nutrition. As a member of the veterinary health care team, you have an important role in helping people with older pets enjoy their pet to the fullest. This module will focus on senior dogs and cats. It has been designed to provide you with a variety of communication concepts, that will help you convey the importance of proper pet nutrition and the benefits of Hill’s® nutritional pet foods.

The senior pet population comprises a large part of most practices’ patient base.

Feeding (Young To Middle-Aged) Adult Dogs

Aging


The health and lifespan of cats and dogs have improved markedly over the past 25 years as a result of a decline in often fatal infectious diseases (i.e., introduction of effective vaccines and antimicrobial agents), more effective anti-parasitic drugs (e.g., heartworm preventives), improved diagnostics and medical technology, and better educated pet owners.

Two other factors have played equally important roles: 1) the recognition of pets as significant members of the family unit, (i,e., The Bond) and improved overall health care associated with this status and 2) the progression of improved nutrition.



Leading Causes of Death: Dogs

Figure 1. *Morris Animal Foundation Health Survey, 1998. Based on the number of disease related deaths among dogs reported by respondents.

Cancer Heart Kidney Liver Epilepsy

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

47%

12%

7%

4%

4%

Leading Causes of Death: Cats

Figure 2.* Morris Animal Foundation Health Survey, 1998. Based on the number of disease related deaths among cats reported by respondents.

Cancer Kidney/ Urinary Hearts Diabetes FIP

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

32%

23%

9%

6% 5%

This is especially apparent with the lifestage concept, which recognizes that nutrient excesses may be as harmful as nutrient deficiencies, and the advent of proper nutrition to help avoid chronic diseases.

The longer a pet lives, the greater the probability that medical issues will need to be addressed, in addition to concerns involving normal aging changes. The result is a high likelihood of multiple chronic problems in older pets. According to a survey among pet owners conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), the leading causes of non-accidental death in dogs are cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, and liver disease (Figure 1). Cancer, kidney/urinary disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and feline infectious peritonitis were the leading causes of non-accidental death in cats (Figure 2).



The same MAF survey asked pet owners which conditions most affected the health and well-being of cats and dogs. The primary concerns listed by dog owners included cancer, dentistry, skin disease, nutrition, and hereditary diseases (Figure 3). The primary concerns stated by cat owners included urinary tract diseases, dentistry, cancer, feline leukemia, and digestive diseases/disorders (Figure 4). Many of these conditions manifest themselves in the pets’ senior years.

Aging



What 3 Conditions Most Affect the Health and Well Being of Your Dog?

Figure 3* Morris Animal Foundation Health Survey, 1998. Based on households with dogs. The sum exceeds 100% due to multiple responses made by respondents.

Cancer Dentistry Skin disease Nutrition Hereditary disease

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

39%

31%

31%

23%

22%

What 3 Conditions Most Affect the Health and Well Being of Your Cat?

Figure 4* Morris Animal Foundation Health Survey, 1998. Based on households with cats. The sum exceeds 100% due to multiple responses made by respondents.

Urinary Diseases Dentistry Cancer Feline leukemia Digestive system

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

48%

29%

27%

18%

27%


Feeding Senior Dogs


Senior dogs are those that are older than five (giant breeds) and seven years and older (small, medium and large breeds). Proper nutrition is one of the more important aspects of senior care. The objectives of feeding senior dogs are similar to those for feeding young to middle-aged adult dogs: Optimize quality and longevity of life and minimize disease. Important nutritional factors for senior dogs include: • Water • Energy/fat • Fiber • Calcium • Phosphorus • Protein • Sodium/chloride(salt) Older dogs are more prone to dehydration than younger dogs; therefore, continuous access to a fresh, clean water supply is very important. Furthermore, owners of senior dogs should closely monitor water intake. Canned dog food contains a greater amount of water by weight, than dry dog foods. In general with increasing age, lean body mass decreases, metabolic rate gradually declines and aged dogs become slower and less active. Overweight senior dogs may require a food with less energy (fat) and more fiber (to dilute calories). The fat level selected should be appropriate to maintain healthy body weight and an ideal body condition score (BCS 3/5). Older dogs are prone to constipation; therefore, some dietary fiber may help maintain intestinal health. Phosphorus intake should be controlled to promote kidney health throughout a dog’s life, but unfortunately, some degree of clinical or undetected kidney disease is often present in older dogs.

Proper feeding plans for senior dogs should be discussed with pet owners on every patient visit, and recorded in the patient’s record.





There should be little concern about calcium deficiency in older dogs unless unbalanced homemade foods are fed. Healthy older dogs should receive enough quality protein, (balanced amino acid source) to avoid protein malnutrition. Excess protein though, above the amino acid requirement, is not stored as protein, but rather is detoxified by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. This process may be harmful if a dog already has some level of kidney disease. The excess energy that is derived from the protein is stored as fat. It is important to meet but not greatly exceed sodium and chloride requirements for senior dogs, since excess sodium chloride, (“table salt”) may contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often a complicating component in problems frequently seen in older dogs. Oral disease is the most common health problem of older dogs. Veterinary care (periodic dental cleaning above and below the gumline) and homecare (frequent tooth brushing and chewing appropriate foods) are important in the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease.

Figure 5. Many popular pet foods contain more sodium than pets actually need.

Feeding Senior Dogs





The method of feeding should be monitored more closely in older than in younger adult dogs. Free-choice feeding should not be used for obese or overweight pets, but this method may be preferred for thinner, very old pets to increase food intake. Owners should be encouraged to weigh and record their senior dog’s weight every month, either at home or at your practice. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to discuss their older dog’s nutritional needs with the veterinary health care team. Senior dogs, whose nutrition is well managed are alert, have an ideal BCS (3/5) with a stable, normal body weight, and a healthy coat. Stools should be firm, well formed, and medium to dark brown. A veterinarian should reassess all healthy senior dogs every six to 12 months.

Encourage pet owners to contact your practice if they have questions or concerns about anything related to their older dog’s well being.

Feeding Senior Dogs



Benefits of Science Diet® Canine Adult Pet Food Products

Benefits of Science Diet® Senior Pet Foods for Dogs


Science Diet® Senior pet foods for dogs are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of healthy senior dogs. Some of the general benefits are listed below. Remember, “benefits” answer a potential “so what?” and are considered advantages the “features” deliver. Some general benefits of Science Diet® Senior formulas for dogs include: • Firm stools, which facilitates easier clean up.

• Cost effective on a daily feeding basis. • No need to supplement, no extra costs related to nutrition. • Balance nutrition and great taste, so senior dogs enjoy the feeding experience. • Several “Recipes” of canned product, for variety with consistent nutrition. • Variety of choices within the product line, including package sizes, canned and dry formulas, small bites - depending on the dog owner’s preference and dog’s needs. • Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids help maintain healthy function of nervous and immune systems, and promote healthy skin and coat. • Promotes healthy skin and coat, which in turn helps promote physical contact and interaction with family members. • Excellent selection for transitioning from a Science Diet Adult pet food, maintaining optimal nutrition for the senior lifestage. • Controlled phosphorus and sodium, which promotes kidney health and supports healthy heart function.



Benefits of Science Diet® Canine Adult Pet Food Products


• Formulated by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., the same nutrition company that makes Prescription Diet® brand products for pet therapeutic nutrition needs. Helps reinforce the quality and concern that goes into developing all Hill’s® products, which can be used with confidence. • More veterinarians feed Science Diet brand products to their own pets than any other brand - products you can trust! • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for all Hill’s® Science Diet® pet foods: Product can be returned to the practice, (place of purchase) for a refund or replacement. (Hill’s will reimburse the practice).

Benefits of Science Diet® Senior Pet Foods for Dogs

Keep in mind also, that there are a number of benefits to your practice regarding the sales of Science Diet brand products. Examples include: More frequent client visits (bonding), the comfort of knowing you are providing an important part of wellness, ability to interact with the dog owner and answer questions, further educating the client on issues not adequately covered during exams, reinforce previous recommendations, the opportunity to promote other wellness products and services, the profitability of Science Diet brand pet foods to the practice…



Feeding Young To Middle-Aged Adult Cats

Feeding Senior Cats


Cats are often considered “senior” at around seven years of age. A seven-year-old cat may not appear old, but changes in nutrition and preventive care are important to reduce risk factors for common age-associated diseases, maintain good health, and maximize longevity. Older cats become less active and have reduced lean body mass. Combined, these changes usually mean most older cats require less food. Proper nutritional management goals for senior cats include: • Maintenance of optimal nutrition (i.e., maintenance of ideal body condition and weight, adequate intake of a nutritious food, and good hydration) • Managing nutritional risk factors (i.e., reduce those factors that increase the likelihood a disease will develop) • Improvement in the quality and longevity of life. Important nutritional factors for senior cats include: • Water • Energy/fat • Fiber • Calcium • Phosphorus • Protein • Sodium/chloride(salt) • Magnesium Older cats are prone to dehydration. Changing from a dry to a canned food and providing multiple bowls containing clean, fresh water in various locations in the house encourage increased total daily water consumption.






Feeding Senior Cats


Reductions in lean body mass and physical activity occur as cats age. The decline in lean body mass may be offset by an increase in body fat so that obesity becomes more common with age. Therefore, it is critical to recommend foods and feeding methods that will ideally maintain optimal weight and body condition throughout a cat’s life. Reduced amounts of dietary fat (i.e., calorie-restricted or “light” foods) are important considerations if older cats are obese prone. Fats may improve the taste of cat food, but fats also increase the energy (caloric) density. Dietary fiber promotes normal intestinal motility and help provide nutritive by-products for the cells that line the inside of the colon. Promoting intestinal motility may benefit older cats with constipation. Older cats should receive foods with moderate levels rather than increased levels of calcium. Controlled phosphorus promotes kidney health, and in instances of kidney disease, Prescription Diet® Feline k/d® is usually the product of choice Kidney failure is not usually

diagnosed until about 75% of kidney function has been permanently lost. This underscores the need for periodic senior pets screens.

Obese cats are three times likelier to die as cats of optimal body weight.




Feeding Senior Cats


Protein restriction has been recommended because of the high prevalence of kidney disease in older cats and the knowledge that kidney failure is rarely diagnosed until at least three-fourths of kidney function is lost. Sodium and chloride requirements of older cats are usually not greatly different from those of young to middle-aged adults, but excessive sodium chloride (“table salt”) containing foods should be avoided, to help minimize high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to kidney, brain, eye, and heart damage. Foods for senior cats should avoid magnesium excesses. Oral disease is the most common disease of older cats. Age-related changes include an increased prevalence of dental tartar, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. The cleaning benefits of some foods and periodic dental cleanings can greatly improve oral health.

Figure 6. Chronic kidney disease is a progressive, debilitating disease. Source: Hill’s® Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy.





Senior cats should ideally be meal fed, with obese cats receiving closely measured amounts of food. Underweight cats should probably be fed free choice. Older cats may have reduced ability to smell and taste; therefore, feeding both canned and warm foods may encourage food intake. Clients should weigh and record their cat’s weight and evaluate body condition at least monthly, at home or in your practice. Owners should also monitor food and water intake and stools and urination. Veterinarians should nutritionally assess senior cats regularly. The frequency of monitoring depends on the overall health of the cat and the presence or absence of chronic diseases.

Excess salt levels in senior foods should be avoided to help ensure healthy heart and kidney function.

Feeding Senior Cats




Benefits of Science Diet® Senior Pet Foods for Cats


Science Diet Senior pet foods for cats are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of healthy senior cats. Some of the general benefits are listed below. Remember, “benefits” answer a potential “so what?” and are considered advantages the “features” deliver. Some general benefits of Science Diet Senior formulas for cats include: • Firm stools, which facilitates easier litter box clean up. • Cost effective on a daily feeding basis. • No need to supplement, no extra costs related to nutrition. • Balanced nutrition and great taste, so senior cats enjoy the feeding experience. • Variety of choices within the product line, including package sizes, canned and dry formulas, hairball control… depending on the cat owner’s preference and cat’s needs. • Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids help maintain healthy function of nervous and immune systems, and promote healthy skin and coat. • Promotes healthy skin and coat, which in turn helps promote physical contact and interaction with family members. • Excellent selection for transitioning from a Science Diet Adult pet food for cats, maintaining optimal nutrition for the senior lifestage. • Formulated by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., the same nutrition company that makes Prescription Diet® brand products for pet therapeutic nutrition needs. Helps reinforce the quality and concern that goes into developing all Hill’s products, which can be used with confidence.



Benefits of Science Diet® Feline Adult Products


• More veterinarians feed Science Diet brand products to their own pets than any other brand-- products you can trust! • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for all Hill’s® Science Diet® products: Product can be returned to the practice, (place of purchase) for a refund or replacement. (Hill’s will reimburse the practice). Keep in mind also, that there are a number of benefits to your practice regarding the sales of Science Diet brand products. Examples include: More frequent client visits (bonding), the comfort of knowing you are providing an important part of wellness, ability to interact with the cat owner and answer questions, further educating the client on issues not adequately covered during exams, reinforce previous recommendations, the opportunity to promote other wellness products and services, the profitability of Science Diet brand pet foods to the practice…


Nutrition – Senior Cats and Dogs Benefits of Science Diet® Senior Pet Foods for Cats

Summary / Are you ready?

Summary The function of all vital organs gradually declines with time as part of the normal aging process. The longer pets live, the greater the incidences of medical problems, (i.e., pathology). The result is a high likelihood of multiple problems in senior pets. Early detection and modification of nutritional risk factors that predispose to chronic diseases such as kidney failure are vital to maintaining healthy senior pets. Science Diet® brand of pet foods are excellent products to help you in this effort. You CAN make a substantial difference in the well being of pets!

Are you ready?

To continue, you will need to complete the quiz for this module. When you are ready, click on the forward arrow below to take you to the quiz.




PROPERTIESOn passing, 'Finish' button: Close WindowOn failing, 'Finish' button: Close WindowAllow user to leave quiz: After user has completed quizUser may view slides after quiz: At any timeUser may attempt quiz: Unlimited times

Documents

VNA Level II Module 4: Communicating Wellness …vna.hillsvet.com/pdf/en-us/Module_14.pdfLearning Objectives . Learning Objectives. After completing this module, your basic understanding