10 Feb 2025 Giving our senior pets the care they all deserve
By Greg Hartman, DVM, of Hartman Animal Hospital
It happens so fast; One day we’re adopting a young, energetic dog or cat, and then we blink and the veterinarian is telling us we’ve got a senior pet on our hands. If your companion animal is slowing down, don’t worry; Caring for an elderly dog or cat just requires a little more thoughtfulness. Specifically, you’re looking for ways to make your senior pet’s life safer, easier and more comfortable.
CARING FOR SENIOR CATS:
1. At what age is a cat considered a senior adult? Cats can be considered senior at 10 years of age, but some may be as early as 7 years of age, depending on breed and genetics.
2. How many hours does a senior feline sleep each day? Senior cats can sleep 12-20 hours a day.
3. Should the owner feed them more or less as they age? Daily feeding amounts may have to be adjusted based on dental disease or other health-related problems to make sure there is an effort to maintain an adequate body weight. Consider a senior-approved, high-quality food.
4. Cat food packaging promotes certain ingredients to help with digestion, mobility, urinary tract health, etc. Is one of those more important for aging cats than the other? Commercial cat food and senior foods contain equally important ingredients and supplements such as probiotics, joint supplements and urinary system supplements.
5. What can an owner do to keep an older cat active? Owners should make a daily effort to promote activities to keep pets active and engaged, such as food puzzle challenges. Introduce play toys to promote new interests.
6. Does aging change the personality of a cat? It is common to see personality changes as a cat ages. They will sleep more and appear to need more alone time, and they may also appear confused at times or exhibit decreased grooming behavior, so patience and understanding as always are needed.
7. What wellness care does a senior feline need to feel their best? Wellness care is very important, and this starts with a working relationship with your veterinarian to discuss certain testing and increased wellness physical exams. This will ensure that healthcare needs are met to achieve the best quality of life possible for the senior patient.
8. What vaccinations do they need? Core vaccinations are considered very important as senior patients continue to age.
9. Any other advice to help a cat age well and feel loved? As always, shower your senior pet with extra time and attention, and pay special attention to any subtle changes as they may indicate that additional health care is needed.
CARING FOR SENIOR DOGS:
1. At what age is a dog considered a senior adult? Senior ages vary greatly depending on the breed. Some very large breeds (50-100 lbs) are considered senior between ages 5 and 7, and small dogs (20-25-100 lbs) may be considered at age 10.
2. Do they sleep more than they did when they were young? Sleeping requirements will, as expected, increase by a few more hours a day compared to when the pet was younger.
3. Should the owner feed them more or less as they age? Feeding requirements will need to be adjusted based on underlying health concerns and activity to achieve and maintain an ideal body weight if possible.
4. Dog food packaging promotes certain ingredients to help with digestion, mobility, kidney health, etc. Is one of those more important for small dogs as they age? All breeds of dogs should have high-quality foods and supplements, such as probiotics for digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health as well as most vitamins and antioxidants to ensure adequate levels are maintained for the best possible health of the senior patient.
5. What can an owner do to keep an older dog active? Promote frequent and low-intensity exercise and daily walking, and allow interaction with other pets if possible to promote good daily activity.
6. Does aging change the personality of a dog? Some aging pets can have personality changes based on physical or cognitive decline, so this should be considered with patience and understanding and further care and attention will be expected.
7. When an owner is ill, does that impact how a dog may respond to guests? Some pets may become more protective if they sense their owner is ill or in more need of assistance. Extra caution is understandable with their personal space.
8. What wellness care does a senior dog need to feel their best? The wellness care to ensure the best quality of life includes frequent visits to your veterinarian and screening tests to detect early health concerns. This is coupled with continued quality diet and supplements and interaction at home.
9. What vaccinations do they need? It is important that core vaccinations stay current if possible.
10. Any other advice that will help a dog age well and feel loved? Spending extra time and paying extra attention to aging pets is very important. Provide easier access to food and water and minimize any inclines that may cause difficulty navigating. Try to keep your senior pet the most comfortable that they can be and continue to show them they are an important part of the family.
