As our pets enter their “golden years”, their needs evolve. Just like us, they require some additional care and considerations to ensure they are comfortable as they transition into and move through their senior years. Here are some key considerations to keep your aging furry friends comfortable and healthy.
What Defines a Senior Pet?
A pet is generally considered a senior in the last 25-30% of their expected lifespan. Cats are typically classified as seniors at age 10 and older. For dogs, this can depend on size and breed, but in general are considered seniors around age 7-8. For giant breed dogs, this may be as early as 5-6. Your vet can help you determine where your pet falls on the age spectrum, or you can use the AAHA Canine Life Stage Calculator.
Common Health Challenges in Senior Pets
Aging pets often face specific health challenges, including:
Arthritis and Joint Pain: Joint health declines with age, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. While some painful animals have clear signs of discomfort like limping, some will have more subtle signs like decreased social engagement, behavior problems (house soiling, litterbox issues), or decreased general activity level. “Slowing down” is not a normal part of aging in animals, and is often associated with joint pain.
Periodontal Disease: Plaque buildup and gum disease like gingivitis are common in older pets and can lead to systemic health issues.
Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease become more prevalent in senior pets.
Cognitive Dysfunction: Often referred to as "doggy dementia," this can affect your pet’s memory, learning, and awareness.
Tips for Senior Pet Care
Regular Veterinary Visits and Routine Lab Work: Senior pets should have vet visits at least twice per year (every 6 months). These exams include comprehensive physical exams with regular bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal test, dental checks, assessing mobility, and monitoring for age-related or breed-related conditions. Early detection and intervention with issues like arthritis, dental disease, or systemic disease can make a significant difference in management and outcomes.
Nutrition and Weight Management: Older pets have unique dietary needs. Choose high-quality, age-appropriate food to support joint health, digestion, and weight control. Excess weight exacerbates issues like arthritis and can lead to diabetes. We are happy to work with you to create an appropriate nutrition plan for your pets.
Joint and Mobility Support: Provide soft bedding, ramps, and non-slip flooring to help pets with mobility issues. Supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can also support joint health. Gentle exercise as tolerated by your pet is also important for maintaining muscle mass and joint flexibility. Depending on overall health and concurrent conditions/medications, other interventions such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, pain medication, laser therapy, and/or once-monthly injectable for arthritis may be right for your pet.
Oral Health Maintenance: Dental disease is not just off-putting with bad breath; it’s a health risk. Small dogs in particular can experience significant bone loss around their teeth, increasing their risk for jaw fractures. Regular teeth cleaning and at-home dental care are essential. It is important to talk to your veterinarian if an anesthetized dental procedure is right for your pet: remember, older age alone is NOT a contraindication to anesthesia, and in many cases, greatly improves their health and quality of life.
Cognitive and Emotional Well-being Just because senior pets tend to have a calmer demeanor than their younger counterparts does not mean that they don’t get bored! Engage your pet’s mind with interactive toys and training exercises. Maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress, and monitor for signs of cognitive decline such as disorientation or changes in sleep patterns.
Comfortable Living Environment Ensure your pet’s environment is senior-friendly. This may mean thicker bedding, easier access to favorite areas, non-sliding mats or rugs on hardwood floors, and easier access to the litter box.
Resources
AVMA: Caring for senior cats and dogs https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/senior-pets
AAHA Pet Parent Resources: What should I know about my mature adult dog? https://www.aaha.org/resources/mature-adult-dog-life-stage/
AAHA Pet Parent Resources: Recognizing Senior Pet Health Problems https://www.aaha.org/resources/a-watchful-eye-recognizing-senior-pet-health-problems/
Your senior pet deserves the best care to enjoy their golden years with comfort. Schedule a senior wellness check today and let us help you navigate this rewarding stage of pet ownership.
As your pet ages, their care needs will evolve, and it's important to address these changes properly. For anyone seeking to adopt a senior cat or find resources for elderly pets, sphynx cattery can provide useful information. Ensuring your cat's comfort as they age is a sign of responsible pet ownership and strengthens the bond between you and your pet.