Early detection is important! Visit your vet for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet's health. Remember your pet is over 50 years old and visiting a vet once a year is like a 50 year old human visiting the doctor once every seven years.

Note changes in behaviour and appearance. Make sure you groom weekly and check for sores, lumps and smells. If you notice any changes contact your vet. 

Switch to a specifically formulated diet for seniors.

Keep your pet's teeth clean, by following the home cleaning instructions your vet has given you.

Provide moderate exercise. This will help with weight control and keep muscles toned.

Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.

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How much exercise does my senior pet need?

Exercise is important at every stage in your pet's life including their senior years. You may need to adjust the frequency and intensity of the exercise as a pet ages but it is important to maintain a regular exercise program. If your pet doesn't use their muscles, and move freely on a regular basis, they will lose muscle mass and tone. This adds to the aging process and eventually your pet will find it even more difficult to move about.

Shorter, more frequent walks or swims can help keep your dog in shape and his weight under control.

If your pet has arthritis or is often stiff and sore, consider providing a ramp to get up and down from raised areas such as vehicles or furniture. It will be much easier on their joints, and allow them to maintain some of the adventure they enjoyed as youngsters.

If you have noticed your pet is limping, it is a good indication they are in pain or are experiencing discomfort. Continuing to exercise your pet whilst they are limping and/or are experiencing pain can cause further damage. Speak to our vet health care team as soon as possible and similarly if you are unsure about the amount of exercise your pet should undertake, please feel free to contact us.

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As pets age two kinds of changes often occur. The first is age related change such as vision or hearing loss. These are normal and generally cannot be prevented. The second kind is pathological change or disease such as arthritis which can slow your pet down and cause discomfort. These are, to some extent, preventable or can be successfully managed. In both instances it is also possible to help your pet maintain a comfortable lifestyle by making small changes around the house and being mindful of your pet's needs.

Keeping Warm

Protect older elbows and haunches by providing your mature dog with a comfortable bed in a protected area. A bed that allows your pet to distribute their weight evenly will reduce pressure on joints and make it easier for them to get out of in the morning. Various pet bed manufacturers produce memory beds for this purpose.

Feeding Easy

Elevated feeders or pet bowls make eating and drinking more comfortable for arthritic pets, particularly if your pet has signs of neck or back stiffness or soreness.

Furniture

If your pet's vision is deteriorating do not move your furniture and furnishings. Vision impaired pets are incredible and will quickly learn a safe route in and around your home without fear of knocks and bumps. 

Steps

Consider installing a ramp or adding middle steps. There are various DIY products which can assist and are not necessarily expensive. If your pet is a regular car traveller you can also purchase ready made pet ramps which simply hook on to the rear of a car when required. 

See things from your pet’s perspective

Finally if your pet has recently stopped frequenting a place of comfort consider the barriers they may be facing.  It sounds a little silly but get down low and see the world from their point of view. Perhaps their elevated dog house needs to be lowered a few centimetres or their hammock bed is just too high. It's amazing what you can do to help! 

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Senior pets require a special diet with fewer calories, less protein and phosphorus. We recommend premium pet foods specifically formulated for senior pets. During your seniors health check ups our team will advise you on a diet best suited to your pet’s age, condition and health.

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