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Senior Pet Care

Caring for your pet in their senior years

As loving pet owners, sometimes we’re a little in denial about our pets growing old, perhaps thinking that your pet’s best years are now behind them and there’s only worries on the horizon (“what if Muffy gets sick?” “What if Buddy doesn’t want to play anymore?”).

The truth is, there’s plenty you can do to help your pet enjoy their senior years as well! And, when you know what to look for, it’s easy to keep your pet comfortable and healthy for many years to come.

When is my pet considered a senior?

As we all know, cats and dogs age at a much different rate to humans, but it may still surprise you to learn at what age your fluffy buddy is considered a senior.

For cats, the title of “senior” is generally given from the age of seven years old, which we find to be rather interesting – we’ve met family cats that have reached their twenties! Dogs on the other hand, are quite different. This is due to difference in life expectancies between breeds, with smaller breeds generally reaching seniority much later than larger breeds. In general, your dog may be considered a senior anywhere between the ages of five to ten.

It’s also important to note the difference between a “senior” and a “geriatric” pet. A senior pet may be showing signs of ageing, but all in all they’re still healthy and happy. A geriatric pet however is usually toward the end of the ageing spectrum and is beginning to experience one or more health problems that may be uncomfortable or complicated.

What are signs that my pet is ageing?

Remember: these signs don’t necessarily mean alarm bells! It just means that they may need a little extra TLC (but we think you’re more than happy to dish that out anyway). Keep in mind that some animals are more likely to let their symptoms show than others. Cats for example are notorious for keeping their discomfort hidden.

Signs that your pet has reached their senior years include…

Change in mobility. As cats and dogs age, it’s very common for them to experience stiff joints or even develop arthritis. This may mean that your pet takes a little longer to get out of bed in the morning, or perhaps very cold weather causes your pet’s joints to appear to stiff. Or, your dog might not want to walk quite as far as they used to. To help with this, you can consider introducing a joint supplement in the form of a powder, chew or treat (Sasha’s Blend, Paw Blackmores and 4Cyte are great), or a specialty food from brands such as Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet. These will contain ingredients such as green lipped mussels, glucosamine, chondroitin and omega oils, all of which assist in easing stiff joints. Additionally, make sure they have a nice, comfy bed or spot to sleep with supportive cushioning.

Change in weight. Obesity is common in senior pets, and it’s often tied to the fact that they aren’t moving around as much as they used to (see mobility above). Or, your senior pet could be underweight, suggesting gastrointestinal problems or even dental issues that come with old age. To help with this, you can look for a senior pet diet that contains fewer calories for weight loss, have regular dental check-ups with your vet, and take note of how your pet is reacting to food.

Change in sleeping patterns and alertness. Increased sleep is associated with ageing, as is cognitive behaviour and alertness. A cat or dog may also suddenly become “lost” in their own home, forget familiar faces, or stop responding to vocal queues as they once did. To help with this, check in with your vet to make sure your pet isn’t experiencing the onset of dementia. Pro Plan also make a dog food that focuses on brain health as your dog ages.

Change in drinking and toilet habits. If you’re finding that your cat or dog is drinking more water than usual, it could be an indication of kidney issues. Similarly, urinating a greater volume could signal a health problem such as diabetes or urinary disease – all associated with older pets. Cats can be fussy about their water bowl to begin with, so be sure to be extra vigilant around senior cats. To help with this, keep an eye on your pet’s toileting habits and consult with your vet if you are suspicious about anything. Wet food or a special water fountain may also encourage extra hydration if your pet isn’t drinking enough, which can result in painful urinary stones.

Change in grooming habits. Less grooming may indicate that your pet is feeling a little sore, as many senior pets tend to do. To help with this, regular bathing and gentle brushing sessions are in order – and we think your pet will love this, too!

The importance of senior pet diets

Not every pet owner realises that shifting their cat or dog from their regular adult food to a senior diet can do wonders for their health (there’s a reason why we have already mentioned your pet’s diet a few times!).

As your pet’s body ages, their nutritional requirements shift quite noticeably. This often begins with changes in their energy needs and metabolism – just like humans’, cats’ and dogs’ metabolisms slow down once they reach their senior years, leading to possible weight gain and muscle wastage. To counteract these changes, a diet higher in protein will not only help to keep your pet fuller for longer, but will also assist in keeping their muscles strong. Additionally, look for a pet food with fewer calories – weight gain and obesity can lead to further health complications, especially in senior pets.

Advancement in your pet’s age can also lead to a change in their digestive system, making their tummy more sensitive to food that they once enjoyed regularly. This could lead to a disinterest in food all together, which has its own health issues. Many food brands these days offer a “sensitive” diet, particularly those you see at your vet, and these are a great option if you’re finding that your senior pet is having tummy upsets.

Simply put, your pet’s body will be using food in a much different way as they grow older – so a change in their diet is very important. Look into the different options that are out there: you’ll be surprised what there is on offer, and how it can help your pet’s health.

Joint and arthritis care in old pets

Signs of joint pain and arthritis in senior pets are usually easy to spot and are similar across both cats and dogs. They include changes in movement and behaviour such as:

  • Slow to rise from sitting or lying down
  • Reluctance to jump onto furniture, into cars or go up or down stairs
  • General look or feel of stiffness
  • Whimpering or lameness, especially after exercise
  • Unwillingness to play, or venture as far during walks

Arthritis is a degenerative, progressive, and irreversible condition of the joints that unfortunately comes with old age, bringing with it both inflammation and degradation of cartilage. This makes even simple tasks such as walking rather painful for your pets – but thankfully, there are things you can do to help ease their pain.

The first thing we would recommend would be to see your vet to discuss the best options for your pet. Depending on the severity of your pet’s pain, your vet will likely prescribe a pain-relief medication such as Meloxicam. Vets prescribe medication on a case by case basis, as pre-existing health issues may restrict them from use of certain drugs.

At home, you can further support your senior pet’s joints and arthritis with use of supplements (these included ingredients such as omega fatty acids, green lipped mussel and glucosamine) and veterinarian-prescribed diets such as those made by Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet. These diets are easier to administer than supplements – no pills required – and come with extensive research and scientific support, ensuring that your pet is getting the best to support their joints in their senior years.

 

With a little extra knowledge, you’re now well on your way to helping your senior pet be as comfortable as can be. Just don’t forget yearly or half-yearly check-ups with your vet, and you’re set!


Read next: What To Do When A Pet Passes >

What our clients say...

Testimonials

Greer Thompson

We were thrilled at the care & love that was shown to us, and our beautiful little Paris (dog) pre her cremation!! Had no dramas what so ever in relation to them taking care of Paris after we said goodbye to her at the Vets Hospital in Springwood! Loved how we got a death certificate, a seed to plant in her honour, & other little mementos of her, that came in a lovely folder!! Also loved how they delivered her to our home, the gentleman dressed in a lovely suit & he was wearing white gloves!! A truly nice touch I thought!! This was 2 years ago! Was recommending them to my niece who sadly is putting their much loved Bailey (dog) to sleep today, 3/6/17!! Was reading thru some of the reviews so thought I would post a positive for Pets in Peace!

Greer Thompson
Brisbane

Katrina Eddy

We will forever be grateful to Pets in Peace for the care and understanding when our Maybe passed. It was a tough time for us and the way they handled it was with the highest respect and understanding. We are very happy to have our baby home now and are extremely happy in this sad time with the service we received. I would also like to thank Eddy the gentleman who came out and collected our sweet girl for his work and the care taken with Maybe. In this time of sorrow it is so great to know that there are people there to help with decision with such understanding. Thank you again. Will have no problem recommending your service to anyone that may need it.

Katrina Eddy
Brisbane

Jade Wright

Thank you so much! I couldn’t recommend pets in peace enough. Our little Bowzer crossed the rainbow bridge and we have something so beautiful to keep with us forever. I found all your staff to be compassionate, helpful and patient with us while we not only processed our little boy leaving this earth but also deciding on all on the arrangements. We thank you for being so understanding and nothing was ever too hard even when we requested a particular white paw to be printed. Thank you again.

Jade Wright
Brisbane

Stephanie Hulett

Absolutely recommend Pets in Peace. They were so kind, respectful, professional and compassionate. Every step in the process was well-considered to support the owner during a difficult time. The team went out of their way to handle my beautiful pet in a thoughtful & considerate way, and gave me the support, time and opportunity to say good bye & grieve. Losing a pet is awful, but Pets in Peace made the whole thing a bit more bearable & helped me honour my pet’s memory.

Stephanie Hulett
Brisbane

Stuart Cain

We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the absolute care and dignity shown to ALL our family members during the passing of our two puppies that you have cared for. My children and grandchildren asked me to pass on their appreciation to Jeremy who cared for Zorro, he went above and beyond and Tracy who I spoke with during our most recent experience was professional and personal at the same time which is often difficult to achieve in difficult times! We can’t recommend you highly enough and will be returning when the need arises in the future.

Stuart Cain
Brisbane

David & Rob

Dear Martin & Bev, 

We just wanted to follow-up on our thank you card from yesterday to say how much we have valued the sensitive and compassionate service we received from all the staff of Pets In Peace. From the moment of our initial email inquiry two weeks ago to the safe delivery of Akimi’s ashes to us yesterday, we have always felt we were in safe and professional hands. We received expert care in every stage of the process. 

We have no doubt that the moment Akimi was taken into care by Pets in Peace, she would have been treated with the same dignity and respect we were with each email and phone contact. I spoke and emailed with Abbey several times and she was always calm, professional, and very caring in our time of grief and loss. Abbey took the time to listen to our needs and recommended a service appropriate to that. Please thank her for us; she is definitely a credit to you. Also the time the driver spent chatting with me yesterday was deeply appreciated; my apologies as I have forgotten his name. But he did not simply drop the ashes and run but took the time to have a personal interaction and talk to me as one who understood what I was going through. That will not be forgotten. 

And the sensitive, caring, and secure way Akimi’s ashes were returned to us was very comforting. The sealed scatter box with the ashes inside a sealed bag within a velvet bag in the box. And on a bed of pink tissue paper. We loved the engraved plaque and the sensitive cremation certificate and a gold paw print. And her lock of hair will be treasured. Such attention to detail and care with these mementos is deeply appreciated. We can’t thank you all enough for making such a difficult and traumatic time that much easier for us. 

We scattered Akimi’s ashes this morning in the garden below our balcony, along with some yellow rose petals. Just a simple and short ceremony with the two of us, and she is now at rest. And the gorgeous engraved plaque has been affixed to a lovely frame with the photo of Akimi in it. And today we registered a star in her name with the International Star Registry. She may be gone from us physically, but her light will never fade in our lifetime.   

Once again, we can’t thank you enough for being there for us when we needed you. 

Best regards,

David and Rob 

Need more information? No problem.

For more detailed information on any of our services simply give us a call to speak with one of our caring and supportive team.

1800 100 909

  • Home
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Loganholme

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