JO MITCHELL, head nurse at Drove Veterinary Hospital, on caring for ageing pets.

Sadly, we cannot stop our pets from getting older, but pet owners can help delay the signs of ageing by good management and regular health checks.

Advances in medicines and diet allows your veterinary practice to provide your pet with up-to-date treatments and preventative healthcare, ensuring comfortable and pain-free senior years.

Often, the first sign of ageing in pets is a general decrease in activity levels, a tendency to sleep longer and more soundly, and loss of interest in the goings-on in the home. Senior pets are more susceptible to health problems and behavioural changes.

As with humans, overweight pets are at a greater risk of developing many common medical conditions. They often experience a reduced quality of life as they are less able to enjoy playing, and feel lethargic.

You should be able to feel your pet's ribs with the palm of your hand, without prodding. If you can't, he's overweight.

Exercise is critical in keeping your pet in good shape.

A fat couch potato may be happy being pampered, but will live longer if he's slimmer.

We can weigh your pet during surgery times or enrol your pet in our weight clinic to help you achieve and maintain your pet's ideal weight.

Digestion can be impaired in old age, so the diet should be light but nutritious.

Quantity of food per meal should be reduced and frequency of feeding may be increased.

It is not advisable to make any sudden changes of diet. If a new type of food is to be fed, it should be mixed with the current type and the quantity may be increased gradually.

Good quality senior foods are recommended which contain the correct nutritional contents to meet the needs of the older pet.

Dental disease affects around 85 per cent of dogs and cats over the age of three. This disease is underestimated and common, and can severely affect our pets' health and wellbeing.

Not only does dental disease result in infection and tooth loss, but there can be far more harmful consequences.

Bacteria that are harboured in tartar and plaque can enter the bloodstream, causing problems in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and even the brain.

So let your veterinary team help you by giving your pet a thorough healthcare dental programme.

Senior pets can start to feel stiff and suffer pain in their joints. Although some wear-and-tear is inevitable, there are many products available that can slow down the progress of arthritis and help promote the healing of the cartilage in the joints. Don't accept painful joints as part of ageing.

Old age and obesity may contribute to heart and circulatory disease, and symptoms may include coughing, weight loss, lethargy and a reluctance to exercise. Good management and advances in medicines can slow the progression of cardiac disease and give your pet a longer, more comfortable life.

Thyroid disease is common in older cats. The condition builds up over time and can seem like signs of old age.

Weight loss but with an enthusiastic appetite, hyperactivity and a fast heart rate are symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

If your cat experiences any of these signs, mention it to your veterinary surgeon. A simple blood test can diagnose or rule out the condition.

Kidney failure is a common disease in older pets with as many as 18 per cent of the UK cat population affected.

As kidney disease is often a slow process, early detection will enable your pet to receive a diet or treatment which can slow the progression of the disease.

Signs include weight loss, lethargy, an increase in drinking and urination, vomiting and bad breath. With good management, your pet will be able to enjoy his senior years, even when suffering from kidney problems.

Diabetes can give similar symptoms to kidney problems. It is more common in older, overweight pets, so regular health checks are key. A urine test can detect the first signs and a simple blood test will confirm it.

Diabetes cannot be cured but simple routine and good management will allow your pet to continue his senior years with very little change.

A loss of sight or hearing is a common problem in older pets. Most will cope well with going deaf but practical tips such as waking him with a gentle touch can be helpful.

Inform your veterinary surgeon if you suspect your pet is going blind. Keeping furniture in the same places at home will allow a blind animal to remain safe and confident.

Cancer is a problem in old age but please remember that most lumps are not cancerous. Your vet should be made aware of growths you find on your pet.

Behavioural changes in elderly pets are well recognised and may include a number of different symptoms.

It is important to distinguish if their condition is due to age or a medical condition.

Changes in your pet's behaviour may include sleep disorders, decreased awareness, loss of house training or destructiveness. Treatments are now available that can relieve these signs, so do not put up with them. We can help!

Older pets may need to sleep for longer and will appear less able to cope with changes in their routine or surroundings.

A warm, supportive bed should be provided in a quiet area of the house where he can rest, away from visitors and noise. A heat pad can be provided to ease stiff limbs in the colder months.

Massage and grooming will help improve circulation and reduce pain from arthritis. Helping your dog into the car may be necessary - a ramp will allow access to the boot for a large or heavy breed.

Regular, short, gentle exercise is so much better than a long hike or play.

Old age suffering cannot be avoided but can definitely be made less painful by care and regular veterinary health checks.

And above all... give them plenty of cuddles!