LIFESTYLE

Caring for a Senior Pet

Cats and dogs may need special attention as they age, so it helps to understand what to expect as your pet gets older.

4 min. read

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Key takeaways

Cats and dogs age differently than humans. By the time your pet is a year or two old, she’s already a teenager in human years. By the time she’s five, she’s considered middle-aged, and when she’s just a few years older than that, she’s well into her golden years.

Pets go through changes as they age, and it helps to know what to look for. There are steps you can take to help your pet feel more comfortable as they age. And if something feels off, don’t wait—check in with your veterinarian.

Common Health Changes in Senior Pets

Dental disease

Older pets may develop dental issues which can cause discomfort and bad breath. If your pet has plaque on the teeth, redness of the gums or bad breath, it could be a sign to check with your veterinarian.⁶

Vision problems

Older pets can develop cataracts, which could be a sign of an underlying disease process, and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Aging eyes may develop a bluish tint from a condition called lenticular sclerosis.³ It’s typically not serious, but it’s good to confirm with your veterinarian.

Weight changes

Older pets may gain or lose weight. A sudden weight loss or weight gain is something to flag with your veterinarian, as it could point to an underlying condition.⁶

Hearing loss

If your pet doesn’t respond to your voice the way they used to, they might be losing their hearing. It can happen as pets age but should still be checked out to rule out treatable causes.¹

Slowing down

Your pet may move less or sleep more than usual. You might also notice changes in grooming habits or muscle loss, especially in older cats.² Make sure to discuss any change in activity level or normal behaviour with your veterinarian.

Incontinence

Accidents in the house or signs of straining to urinate could mean bladder issues or a urinary tract infection (UTI). These may occur in senior pets and usually manageable with help from your veterinarian.⁷

Osteoarthritis

Many senior dogs and cats experience osteoarthritis, which can cause significant pain and limit their ability to be active. ^7,8

Senility

Pets can show signs of confusion as they age.4 For example, cats might forget their litter box location, cry at night, or act differently without a clear reason.⁵

Fluffy tabby cat sitting on a sofa next to decorative pillows

Collaborate with your veterinarianto actively support your senior pet’s healthcare needs.

Keep up with your pet’s annual veterinarian check-ups, and consider visiting twice a year if you’re concerned about any specific symptoms or conditions. Make sure to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. Some conditions in senior dogs, like kidney disease, thyroid disease, osteoarthritis and diabetes, require treatment to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, as well as to provide relief. Be sure to keep up with whatever treatment your veterinarian recommends, including medications and other supportive care.

Proactive care can go a long way^7,8,9

Feed your pet appropriately

Make sure your senior pet is eating a diet suited for their age . Keep an eye on how much they’re eating and drinking, and note any changes in their mealtime habits.

Keep your pet well groomed

Brush your pet regularly to prevent matting – hair mats can contribute to skin infections and may hide other issues like developing skin tumours. It’s also recommended to brush your pet’s teeth regularly to help prevent or delay tooth decay.

Help your pet relax

Offer extra cozy spots for sleeping, and avoid stressful environments when possible. Some older pets just need a little more peace and quiet to feel their best.

References

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