Senior Care for Pets

Depending on your cat or dog’s breed, size and lifestyle, they’ll start showing signs of aging between 6-10 years old. As they enter this new stage of life, you’ll need to make adjustments to ensure they’re able to continue living a happy and healthy life with you. If you have questions about caring for your aging dog/cat, please contact us at 416-928-6761.

What are the signs of aging in dogs/cats?

Aging can look different for dogs and cats, depending on factors like their breed and lifestyle. Giant dog breeds tend to age faster, showing signs between 6-7 years old. Other dogs typically start aging around 8-10 years, whereas cats are considered seniors around 10 years old or later. Some general signs that could be an indication of aging include:

• Greying coat
• Hearing loss
• Cloudy eyes
• Lethargy/ stiffness
• Weight loss

How can I help my senior dog/cat maintain good health?

One of the most important things you can do to ensure you’re keeping up with any changes to your dog or cat’s health is to book veterinary visits twice per year. Though dog years aren’t exactly equivalent to seven human years, indeed, they age much faster than humans. By taking them in for bi-yearly checkups, we’re able to not only determine a baseline of their health but also detect any new health issues in the early stages. These appointments are also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions or share any concerns you have about your dog/cat.

What modifications should I make to their routine?

If you notice your dog or cat is losing their ability to see, you should avoid making drastic changes to your environment, like rearranging furniture, which could make it more difficult for them to navigate your home. If they have difficulty moving, installing ramps throughout the spaces they access can improve their mobility. You’ll always want to ensure that their food, water and other essentials are in easily accessible places that aren’t too high off the ground.