Caring for Senior Pets: Tips for Keeping Your Ageing Fur Babies Healthy and Happy

There is one thing that is not up for debate - we all age. And as our pets grow older, their needs change. Senior pets deserve special attention to keep them healthy, comfortable, and happy as they enter their golden years. Here's a guide on how to care for your senior pet, with tips to help them live their best life.

1. Regular Senior Health Checkups: Start at Age 8

For most people, 8 years doesn't sound like a lot of time. But for our fur babies, this is the age we start to consider them as 'seniors'. For pets over the age of 8, regular health checkups become more important than ever. Senior pets should visit the veterinarian at least twice a year for a comprehensive health assessment. This allows your vet to catch potential issues early, particularly in cats where the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues and chronic kidney disease increase with age. It can be helpful to log your pets daily routine, so you can alert your vet if things change. This includes keeping track of their appetite, water intake and weight.

2. Joint Health: Managing Arthritis and Maintaining Mobility

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in senior pets, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. If your pet is showing signs of limping, reluctance to jump, or difficulty climbing stairs, they may be suffering from arthritis. For cat owners, the signs of arthritis can be more subtle. This includes behaviours like hiding or becoming more recluse, grooming less, toileting outside of the litter tray or being more irritable with other family members.

Joint Supplements and Arthritis Injections:

Starting your senior pet on daily joint supplements that contain naturally occuring substances like glucosamine and chondroitin can make a huge impact on their mobility. These ingredients help to repair cartilage that naturally degenerates with age. In more severe cases, your vet may recommend arthritis injections or medications to manage pain and improve quality of life.

3. Cognitive Decline

As pets age, they may begin to experience cognitive decline, which can be similar to dementia in humans. Some signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) include:

• Disorientation: Your pet may walk into a room and seem confused or disoriented. They might forget where their food and water bowls are located, or you may find them pacing around the house, particularly at night.
• Behavioral Changes: Pets with CDS might also become more anxious, vocalize more, or show signs of irritability.

If you notice these behaviors, talk to your vet. There are treatments, diets and supplements that can help manage cognitive decline, improve brain activity and improve your pet's quality of life. Early intervention can make a big difference.

4. Diet: Transition to a Balanced Senior Diet

As pets age, their nutritional needs change. Senior pets benefit from a diet that is specifically designed for their stage of life, helping to maintain muscle mass, support joint health, and prevent obesity. Look for high quality senior diets that have added glucosamine, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Exercise Tips for Senior Pets:

• Gentle Walks: Short, frequent walks can help keep your pet in shape without overexertion.
• Low-Impact Activities: Swimming or slow-paced play sessions can be great for pets with arthritis or joint pain.
• Using Stairs and Ramps: To prevent strain on your pet's joints, use stairs or ramps for tasks like jumping onto the bed or getting in and out of the car.

5. Monitor Their Weight: Watch for Changes

Weight management becomes even more important as pets age. Obesity is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in pets, which puts extra strain on their joints, heart, and internal organs. It is important to monitor your pets weight, particularly if you notice a gradual or sudden decline as it may be time to book in for a vet visit.

6. Dental Health: Keep Their Smile Bright and Healthy

Dental health is crucial for senior pets, as dental disease can cause pain, difficulty eating, and even lead to other serious conditions like heart disease. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If your senior pet has bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty eating, it's time for a dental checkup. Your vet can help you to formulate a dental plan for your pet, including scheduling 6 monthly or annual cleaning.

It's never too early to start senior care. Taking proactive steps now will help your pet enjoy their best possible quality of life for as long as possible. Don't hesitate to consult your vet for guidance on specific needs, treatments, or concerns.

Senior Vet Checks at Coast Care Vets: What to Expect

At Coast Care Vets, senior pets receive a comprehensive health evaluation tailored to their specific needs. We understand that pets over the age of 8 require special attention, so our senior wellness checkups are designed to ensure that your furry friend stays comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Full Physical Examination

Our senior pet health check starts with a full physical examination where we carefully assess your pet from head to tail. This includes:

• Joint and Musculoskeletal Check: We thoroughly examine your pet's musculoskeletal system for signs of arthritis, joint pain, or stiffness. We look for any discomfort that could affect mobility and well-being. If we find arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues, we will formulate an arthritis management plan to help relieve pain and improve your pet's quality of life. This might include joint supplements, pain management medications and arthritis injections.
• Dental Health Assessment: We'll check your pet's teeth and gums to detect any dental disease. We wil help you formulate a plan to ensure your pets smile stays pearly white.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for senior pets. Dr Jess will provide tips on managing your pet's weight, which is crucial for preventing joint strain, heart disease, and diabetes. If your pet has gained or lost weight unexpectedly, we will help adjust their diet and exercise plan accordingly.

Bloodwork and Blood Pressure Monitoring

As part of our senior care protocol, we recommend annual bloodwork and blood pressure checks, especially for cats who are at higher risk for chronic kidney disease and other age-related health issues. If your pet is on regular medications, we may suggest checking blood levels and blood pressure more frequently—every 6 months—to ensure they are responding well to treatment.

Organizing Follow-Up Appointments

After the initial senior checkup, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your pet's progress. These visits are crucial to ensure that your pet's health is improving and to make adjustments to their care plan as necessary.

At Coast Care Vets, we believe that every pet deserves to live their best life, regardless of their age. Our senior pet checks are designed to provide the highest level of care, ensuring that your furry friend stays healthy, happy, and comfortable through their senior years. Whether your pet needs arthritis management, dental care, weight control, or just a thorough health assessment, we're here to support you and your pet every step of the way.