The age at which are pets transition from “adult” to “senior” depends a bit on the individual, but in general is as follows:

Age considered senior for:

• Cats - 10 years

• Small dogs (<10kg/22lbs) - 10 years

• Medium dogs (10-20kg/22-44lbs) - 7 years

• Large dogs (20-40kg/44-90lbs) - 7 years

• Giant dogs (>40kg/>90lbs) - 5 years

Older animals can experience changes in both their physical and mental health. You may notice their fur turning grey, a decline in coat quality, or cloudiness to their eyes. They tend to lose muscle and gain fat, as their energy and exercise requirements change. They may become more susceptible to a number of health issues and it is recommended that you take your senior pet to a veterinarian twice yearly (every 6 months) to help identify potential changes in their health and so that steps can be made to maintain their quality of life. In addition, if you see a sudden change in your pet or notice a gradual worsening of their state, please see your veterinarian. Common health issues that often arise with advancing age include arthritis, dental disease, heart/liver/kidney disease and cancer.

Signs you do not want to ignore:

• Increased panting or difficulty breathing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Changes in appetite or thirst

• Change in frequency of urination

• Change in weight

• Pain

• Aggression

• New lumps or masses

Arthritis:

Arthritis is a common disease in dogs and cats that involves inflammation of the joints. It involves the breakdown of the shock-absorbing cartilage found within joints, leaving bones to rub against each other. Similarly to people, arthritis in dogs and cats can be very painful and severely limit your pet’s quality of life. There is no cure for arthritis and reversing the disease process is not possible. There are numerous prevention, treatment and management options available to help slow the progression of the disease and maintain a good quality of life for your pet. The handouts below detail some recommendations on pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment options

Learn more about Arthritis >

Behaviour

While it is common for older dogs and cats to slow down a bit and take more naps, some behaviour concerns can indicate other underlying health issues. Behaviour changes such as difficulty getting up or stiffness or aggression can be a sign of pain, such as arthritis (see above). Anxiety can develop as older animals experience decreases in their senses (ability to see, hear, smell, taste). It is important to bring up behaviour changes with your veterinarian as some conditions are treatable and doing so can help maintain a good quality of life for your dog.

Another common health issue seen in aging dogs is cognitive dysfunction (similar to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in people or dementia). Approximately 14-35% of dogs over 8 years of age are affected. Dogs with this disease have a slow progression of behavioural signs such as aimless wandering/pacing, staring into space, decreased interaction with people/animals in the house, increased vocalization, altered sleep pattern or appetite, confusion, loss of house training, and aggression. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, but there are some treatments that can help slow progression and improve your dog’s quality of life.

General recommendations

During your pet’s golden years it is important to provide them with a routine each day that gives them familiarity and makes them feel secure. This routine should include feeding them and giving them walks/potty breaks at the same time each day, keeping daily activities predictable and sticking to a consistent bedtime.

They should be fed a high-quality, well balanced food, such as a diet geared towards senior animals or arthritis management, and treats/table scraps should be minimized as this can lead to weight gain and strain on their joints.

Senior pets benefit from mental stimulation to keep their brains sharp and prevent boredom throughout the day, especially if their mobility and ability to exercise is diminished. Enrichment toys such as stuffed Kongs, new stuffed animals and puzzle toys can be helpful.

If you have concerns about your senior pet, or would like more information about how to care for them as they age, our team at the Tsawwassen Animal Hospital is happy to help.