In a perfect world, our pets would stay young and healthy forever. But in the real world, pet owners must witness their aging pets develop a variety of medical issues. However, pet owners do not need to pretend the process isn’t happening. Rather, they can actively support their senior pets to ensure them the highest quality and longest life possible. The Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team members are pet owners ourselves, and we understand how the relationship with an older pet can evolve and change. So, we’ve listed some simple measures you can take to support them through their golden years.

Veterinary care for senior pets

Seniors need the same veterinary care they received in their younger years, plus additional screening tests and examinations to catch aging changes or diseases as they pop up. Some pet owners begin to ignore their pet’s basics, such as vaccines, as they get older, but these remain important throughout life. Essential veterinary services for seniors include:

  • Vaccinations
  • Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
  • Annual fecal and heartworm parasite screenings
  • Semi-annual wellness examinations
  • Professional dental cleanings
  • Semi-annual or annual diagnostic screening blood and urine tests
  • Possible additional screening tests for cancer or heart disease

During a wellness visit, our team will discuss new health changes or findings and develop a treatment plan that addresses early stage diseases, before they snowball into more severe or life-threatening problems. We strongly advocate for proactive senior care so older pets stay healthy as long as possible.

Dental home care for senior pets

While all pets require anesthetized professional dental cleanings and comprehensive examinations periodically, we recommend dental at-home care to reduce the need for professional cleanings. Dental home care is more important for your aging pet, because they could develop an issue that complicates anesthesia and prevents dental treatments, leaving them in pain and gradually damaging major organs, including the kidneys or heart. Daily brushing or use of a Veterinary Oral Health Council-accepted product will help reduce plaque, bacteria, tartar, and subsequent painful dental disease.

Exercise and nutrition for senior pets

Obesity impacts more than half U.S. pets and can put them at greater risk for developing certain diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Age also impacts these diseases, so obesity puts senior pets at higher risk. We recommend discussing your pet’s nutritional needs with our veterinary team, who will find a diet that encourages a healthy weight and also addresses concurrent medical problems, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or arthritis. 

Exercise can play a crucial role in weight control, but ensure the intensity matches your senior pet’s ability level. For example, walk your pet a short distance around the block each day instead of going for a run. Encourage your cat to move more with play and food puzzles. Daily movement can improve joint health and reduce cognitive dysfunction chances through mental stimulation.

Household modifications for senior pets

Senior pets with arthritis or other mobility impairments may need extra help navigating the house. Consider these changes to help them stay comfortable and safe at all times:

  • Add rugs or runners to slippery hard floors, or try rubber nail grips for traction.
  • Add litter boxes and food and water stations to each house level to reduce the need for your cat to use the stairs.
  • Add comfortable and supportive beds throughout the house.
  • For vision-impaired pets, block off stairs and reduce household clutter.
  • Use pet stairs or ramps to help pets get in and out of the house or car, or to reach their favorite spots in the house.

Meeting your senior pet’s social needs

Your senior pet still has social and emotional needs, despite their possible lower energy level. You should continue to participate in activities they enjoy but with modifications to prevent injuries or overexertion. If your dog likes other dogs, take them for one-on-one playdates with another calm senior, but avoid rough play at the dog park. If they enjoy a particular dog sport, look for events with “masters” divisions. For cats, ensure you still take time each day for positive interactions, such as grooming, petting, cuddling, or play.

Your senior four-legged friend may play less and sleep more, but they still enjoy many activities from their youth. Help them continue to live their best life by keeping up with routine veterinary care and providing a safe home environment. Contact the Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team to schedule a senior care visit or to learn more about essential services that can benefit your senior’s health.