In November, we often take the time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, and senior pets should be one of those things. November is National Senior Pet Month, which encourages people to adopt an older pet and to be aware of how special older pets are. If you’ve just adopted a senior dog or cat, are thinking of doing so, or have your existing pet nearing their golden years, here are some important things to bear in mind about their care.

Senior Dogs

There isn’t a set senior age that applies to all dogs because it depends on their size and breed. Generally, the biggest dogs like Great Danes are seniors when they’re about 5 or 6, as their lifespans are on the shorter end. The majority of standard large and midsized pups reach seniorhood at around 7 or 8, while the smallest dogs - which usually live the longest – reach their golden years at 11 or so.

As our beloved canine buddies start reaching this age, there tend to be more health challenges, but there are things you can do to ensure these changes are well-managed.

Vet Care is Important

While annual vet visits are the standard procedure in younger age, senior dogs should usually be going at least twice a year. It may be more if they have conditions that require monitoring. Vaccinations remain important, as well, as the immune system weakens as dogs age. Dental care can also help stave off infections and serious discomfort.

More frequent vet visits make it more likely that new conditions will be caught early when treatment may still help prolong your pup’s life or improve their quality of life.

Keep An Eye Out for Signs of Health Issues

It’s also a good idea to be aware of the signs of health conditions in our dogs so we can get that vet diagnosis as soon as possible.

Cancer is especially prevalent in older dogs and is responsible for the largest share of senior pup deaths. Symptoms may include lumps, sores, abdominal swelling, bleeding from the mouth or nose, issues eating or breathing, and weight loss.

There are a variety of other illnesses that become common as dogs age, as well, including heart disease, diabetes, kidney issues, hypothyroidism, arthritis, and visual and hearing impairment. Some telltale signs of conditions that may need to be addressed include excessive drinking, increased urination, changes in diet, weight loss or gain, skin issues, weakness, and fatigue. If you notice any of these things, schedule a vet visit.

Adapt Home Life to Address Their Limitations

Regardless of whether dogs have any health issues, they will begin to slow down and lose their youthful energy as they age. That doesn’t mean they don’t still need exercise, though. Be sure to continue to keep them as active as their new normal allows.

Walks of a more manageable length are important in keeping your pup mobile and maintaining their physical and mental health. They will be more sensitive to extreme temperatures, though, so try to avoid taking them out on particularly warm or cold days. When it comes to mental enrichment, toys, playing, and food puzzles are also good for keeping their brains sharp and stimulated.

Their digestive systems may require extra care, as well, in the form of different food. This may mean formulas for seniors in general, or those to address certain health issues. Your vet can recommend the best course here. Make sure their food and their water bowls are also reachable for them, especially if they may not be as spry as they once were.

While It’s important to keep routines, like walks, meals, and bed at the same time, you may need to make some tweaks to maintain those routines. If they have favorite places that they may have a hard time climbing or jumping to access, add ramps or pet stairs to help. Keep their sleeping spaces plentiful and accessible, and make sure they’re in a toasty area. You may also need to amp up the grooming routine and be especially mindful of overgrowth of toenails because it can worsen arthritis.

Thinking about a new puppy to liven up your older dog? This may not be a great idea, depending on the dog. Have a serious chat with your vet about this and be aware that your older resident will need a space all their own to escape from the energetic youngster.

Cats

While cats tend to have similar lifespans across the board and are considered seniors somewhere between age 10 and 12, their rate of aging can differ based on their environment and individual circumstances. In fact, it’s not unheard of for domestic cats to reach their 20s, essentially being a senior for half their lives! For this to happen, quality pet care is usually needed, though, so here are some things you can do to increase the chances of having a happy, healthy super senior.

Get Those Twice a Year Vet Visits In

Just as with dogs, seniorhood for cats means annual vet visits should increase to biannual visits. Blood work, vaccines, and thorough dental care are important factors in safeguarding their health and getting on top of common issues as soon as possible when proven treatments can prolong their lives for years.

Once an issue is detected, you may need to go more often for maintenance visits, so be prepared for a bit more time at the vet’s office.

Know the Signs of Common Health Issues

Cats are very good at hiding discomfort, meaning it’s likely a senior cat in your past wasn’t feeling their best for some time before anyone figured it out. That can make it difficult to pinpoint any issues, which underscores the importance of blood work. However, there are things you can look out for that are indicative of health struggles.

Among the most common issues in older cats is arthritis, something that may be even more prevalent in declawed cats. If your cat is trying to mask that pain, signs that may give it away include issues going up or down stairs or jumping up, looking like they’re having a hard time finding a comfortable position, or moving more stiffly. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help ease their pain. Your vet can help with that.

Other health issues senior cats often experience include kidney disease, thyroid conditions, liver disease, heart disease, blindness, and hearing loss. Concerning signs to watch out for here include increased urination or drinking, becoming more vocal, changes in routine, less energy, moving less, and weight loss.

Make Necessary Changes at Home

A variety of conditions can also lead to issues using the litter box, something that does become more common in older age. If it’s arthritis causing that, you can work to make the litter box easier for your cat to get into, either with ramps or shorter sides. Accessibility is also important for their food bowl, water bowls and fountains, and their favorite napping and perching places. Ramps and pet stairs may come in handy here, as well.

If they’re struggling with vision loss, be sure not to rearrange anything, though, as they’ll have paths mapped out in their heads. Night lights can help those with limited vision, too.

Though it may need to be tweaked a bit to match their new normal, enrichment with play will keep your cat sharper into old age. You can use the old standby wand toys, food scavenger hunts, or other scaled down games they enjoyed when they were younger. Active games can also keep them mobile longer.

Kitties, especially those with longer fur, may need extra help with grooming as they age, too, so be sure to have a brush and possibly some small scissors at hand if their rear fur gets caked with something that should have stayed in the litter box. Cats do tend to get a bit more affectionate or needy as they get older, so they may appreciate the extra brushing.

Their digestive systems also need a hand, with a pivot to senior formula or those for issues like kidney disease possible as they get further into their lives. If they’d eaten mostly a kibble diet, wet food with more water content may be helpful as well. Hydration is important.

Thinking about adding a new kitten? Cats can often be territorial, as any cat owner would know, so that may be extra stressful for a senior. However, if you and your vet think it may work out, be sure your older cat has a safe space to avoid the youngin’ and their boundless energy.

Benefits of the Golden Years

Though it can be hard watching your former kitten or puppy get older and slower, you can use this precious time to appreciate a more easygoing and cuddly phase of your pet’s life. You can also rest easy in knowing their destructive youthful tendencies are likely long gone, replaced with more sensible pastimes, like naps or seeing what you’re working on.

Remember that you could easily enjoy these quiet times for years to come, especially with smaller dogs and cats, who are living to quite impressive ages these days.

Helping Shelter Seniors

Part of National Senior Pet Month is reminding us how many older dogs and cats still need homes. If you’d like to provide senior shelter cats with a little TLC, you can send them support packages here. To send packages to older dogs, click here!