Most pets start being considered seniors at around seven years of age. Learn what special considerations you need to think about as you enjoy your senior pet for many years to come.

Senior Pets Have Decreased Mobility

As pets age, most will develop some degree of osteoarthritis. Longer-backed breeds, such as Dachshunds and Pekingese, are also prone to having back problems as well. These changes result in overall decreased mobility for senior pets.

Staying active is an important factor in keeping your older pet healthy. Help your pet to keep moving by:

  • Encouraging frequent, gentle exercise
  • Providing ramps, stairs, or other ways for your pet to access places such as the couch
  • Consider swimming as a form of low-impact exercise
  • Inquire about the benefits of pet physical therapy
  • Ask us about options to decrease any pain your pet may be having

Be sure to keep your less-active pet’s nails trimmed as they are less likely to wear them down naturally.

Senior Pets Have Different Nutritional Needs

Just like no two people have the same metabolism, neither do any two animals. Senior pets in general have different nutritional needs than their younger counterparts. Older pets often need to consume more fiber. Also, as pets age their need for calories decreases due to changes in their metabolism and an overall decrease in physical activity.

Many pets are overweight, particularly older ones. Carrying excess weight can predispose them to many life-shortening diseases such as heart problems and cancer.

Some pets have medical conditions that dramatically increase their nutritional needs. These pets may have trouble maintaining a normal body weight.

We are happy to discuss your senior pet’s nutritional needs with you and help to determine a feeding plan that works for your pet.

Senior Pets Often Have Pain

Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis and various disease processes, can result in pain for senior pets. Luckily we have many amazing options to help reduce pet pain. These include one or more of the following:

  • Nutritional supplements
  • Medications such as pet safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
  • Weight management strategies
  • Therapeutic laser treatment

Pain, no matter the cause, directly impacts the life of our beloved pets. You can take action at home by providing a soft, supportive surface to lie on and being sure that food and water is easily accessible.

There is a personalized pain management strategy that can be formulated for any situation and we are happy to help develop one for any pet.

Senior Pets Are at Increased Risk for Cancer and Other Problems

As they age, pets are more likely to develop health problems. There are many physical changes to the senior body. You may notice:

  • Graying around the muzzle and face
  • Clouding of the eyes
  • A duller, thinner haircoat
  • Thicker paw pads
  • Calluses, especially on the elbows
  • New lumps and bumps
  • Decreased stamina during exercise
  • Loss of housetraining

Many of these changes are very normal and expected, however some can be indicative of a health problem. It is important to have your pet examined regularly as they age so that we can stay on top of any early indicators of disease. We have extensive expertise in treating most common older pet issues including cardiac problems, skin problems, dental disease, endocrine problems, pet eye issues, and even cancer.

Understanding your senior pet’s needs and risks is important to providing the best care for our old friends. Sometimes this also means making some tough decisions in their final days as well. Our goal is to maintain the best quality of life possible for our senior pets and we are happy to work with you to achieve this. When it becomes difficult to accomplish this goal, we are also able to counsel you with end-of-life decisions.

Caring a senior pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. The extra effort is well worth it when you look into those beautiful, thankful eyes.