As our pets age, their care needs change. From simple changes to diet and exercise routines to more specialized care for chronic pain or other health issues. Regardless of your pet’s age, caring for senior pets isn’t one-size-fits-all.
To prepare for your fur baby’s golden years, we’re sharing some basics that we believe every pet parent should know about caring for pets as they age.
Who’s Considered a “Senior” Pet
Short answer: It depends.
Cats are typically granted “senior” status once they’ve reached or passed the 10-year mark. Dogs, on the other hand, are much more variable in “senior” ranking depending on breed. However, most dogs—no matter the size—fall somewhere in the 8-11 year age range.
If you’re unsure if you should be considering any senior pet care changes, feel free to ask our team for their input!
Common Sense Senior Pet Care
Most care for your elderly pet isn’t that much different from what it has been the rest of their lives. However, senior pets may require a few minor changes to their routines. Don’t think of caring for an aging pet as a complete overhaul of your current care plan—it’s more of a revision.
Maintain Disease Prevention & Wellness Visits
Senior pets still need routine wellness and preventive care to keep them in the best shape possible. Despite their age, year-round parasite prevention and core vaccinations are still crucial elements to their overall well-being.
Sadly, a recent study concluded that the majority of pet owners did not take their aging pet to the vet for the year before euthanasia occurred. Dogs older than 7 and cats older than 10 should be examined every six months. More frequent head-to-tail exams help our team detect early signs of disease and provide treatment to improve longevity and quality of life.
Senior Diet & Exercise
As pets age, they can become less active. Less active pets tend to gain weight. Whether their inactivity is due simply to age or joint pain, choosing age-appropriate food and exercise is essential.
Senior pets require different nutrients for their new energy level and body. Making smart food choices can help keep less active pets at a healthy weight, thus avoiding weight-related health complications, and ensure they stay feeling their best.
Part of a healthy senior pet diet should also focus on brain health. Like humans, our pets can experience cognitive decline. Incorporating interactive toys, puzzles, and other enrichment tools can help keep your furry friend sharp as a tack.
Age shouldn’t change your pet’s mobility or exercise routine dramatically. With the help of joint supplements and modern rehab therapies, there are myriad options to keep your four-legged friend active well into their golden years. If you notice your fur baby struggling to get up, lie down, jump, run, or walk, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Caring for Your Pet Through Every Season of Life
Growing older is a natural part of life—and it doesn’t mean your pet has to stop enjoying the things they love. Senior pet care is less about treating your pet as “old” and more about paying attention to how their needs are changing and making thoughtful adjustments along the way.
When something seems different, don’t assume it’s simply a normal part of aging. Sometimes, those small changes are our first clues that your pet could benefit from additional support.
Most importantly, you know your pet better than anyone. When you combine that familiarity with regular veterinary care, you can help your best friend stay comfortable, active, and enjoying life for as long as possible.
Aging may be inevitable, but feeling their best doesn’t have to be left to chance. If you have questions about your senior pet’s changing needs, our team at Bayside Animal Hospital is always happy to help you navigate their golden years.
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