Senior Pet 101: When Do I Know What They Need?
Cats’ and dogs’ energy and playfulness are part of what brings so much joy into our lives, and as they age, you’ll notice them spending more time relaxing than running around. You still want to give senior pets the love they deserve, but it can be difficult to know what should change. Even more, how do you know when your pet has reached the senior stage? You can explore a wide range of dog and cat health and wellness products for furry friends at all life stages from Tractor Supply, as well as guidance on caring for your senior pet.
When Is a Pet Considered Senior?
Understanding a pet’s lifespan is essential to knowing when your dog or cat is considered senior. The average lifespan of a housecat is about 14 years, with average longevity ranging between nine and 17 years. Veterinarians typically call cats seniors when they reach seven to 10 years old. Some veterinarians also use geriatric to describe a feline older than 10.
It’s a little more complicated with dogs because their sizes and lifespans range substantially. In general, the bigger the dog, the faster they age:
- Small breeds: Considered senior at 10-12 years
- Medium breeds: Considered senior at 8-9 years
- Large breeds: Considered senior at 6-7 years
Changes that Come with Age
No two cats or dogs are exactly alike – it’s what makes being a pet owner so special. So, your pet may start showing signs or aging earlier or later than expected.
Signs of Aging in Dogs
For canine companions, a common concern among owners is that slowing down means aging. This isn’t always the case, but it can indicate joint pain, which is common in older pups. Whereas people often get gray or white hair with age, dogs can develop white hair on their faces. Issues that may arise with age include:
- Unexplained weight gain/loss
- Difficulty sleeping (or sleeping more than usual)
- Muscle loss
- Hearing loss
- Dental concerns (gum disease)
- Eyes appear opaque because of a thickening lens
Behavioral changes might suggest canine dementia, a telltale sign of age. If your dog begins staring into corners or at walls for long periods, consult their vet for dementia screening and how you can further help your pup.
Complications of Aging in Cats
Cat parents know that as much as you try to train them, felines are fiercely independent. These characteristics come through even as they age. Cats tend to hide their discomfort and symptoms, as their natural predator instincts tell them to bury signs of weakness. So, noticing the challenges that come with age in your senior cat means spotting subtle indications, such as:
- Loss of energy, paired with more sleeping
- Vision and hearing loss
- Less interested in play (possibly due to joint pain)
- Weight gain/loss
- Behavioral changes (more anxious or aggressive)
- Changes in appetite
- Differences in sounds (distressed meows)
- Matted fur or hair loss
- Drinking water more often
- Urinating more often or failing to use the litter box
What Can I Do for My Senior Pet?
They might not cause as much mischief as they once did, but senior pets are still your adorable pals. Your amount of love hasn’t changed – but how you care for them should adjust to align with their new phase of life. Here are some of our best tips for caring for an aging companion:
Ensure Adequate Nutrition
Protecting the health and wellness of your senior begins before they age. Being overweight is a common problem for dogs and cats, and it can put a strain on their bodies and increase their risk of certain diseases. The best way to protect a pet against obesity at all life stages is with high-quality and nutritious (plus tasty) food.
Senior dog and cat food tends to have fewer calories to help them maintain a healthy weight, plus less fats, proteins and carbohydrates than what you would feed an adult. If your pet needs a boost in a specific area, such as their heart, muscles or hips and joints, some options are formulated with these health needs in mind.
As you notice the signs of aging in your companion, consult their vet about a new diet plan that would work best for their breed, age, weight or health history. Any food you buy will have recommended feeding schedules to ensure pets get the right amount for every meal.
Older pets still love treats, but if they have difficulty with their teeth, consider swapping out crunchy snacks, bones and rawhide for chewy, soft treats for dogs and cats. Additionally, some animals might show signs of aging earlier than usual for their breed. With formulations for dogs and cats, vitamins and supplements, such as options with glucosamine for joint support, help boost wellness from adulthood into the senior years.
Schedule Regular Visits to the Vet
Don’t think you have to care for your senior pet alone. Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital at any life stage but become especially important as your dog or cat ages. An annual visit is the minimum, but vets might recommend several appointments a year depending on your pet’s health. Physical exams and lab testing with reliable techniques and tools shed light on issues that you might not notice otherwise. They’ll also share ways you can support your pet’s overall wellness.
Help Them Get Around the House and Rest Comfortably
It might not be as easy for a senior pet to get up and down furniture as it once was, but they still love to cuddle with you in bed or on the couch. Ramps and steps designed for indoors help them access these areas to curl up next to you when their joints don’t work like they used to. In our selection, find options in a range of colors and materials to complemeant your decor seamlessly.
Pets also have their own spaces to relax, and you can swap out their original bed for one that supports their body as they get older. For instance, your aging pup will appreciate an orthopedic bed that delivers added cushioning for tired joints. Our options come with additional features such as cooling technology for greater comfort and non-skid bottoms, so the bed stays right where they like it. You can also give dogs and cats additional warmth while soothing achy joints with heated pet beds and pads.
Trust Senior Pet Care to Tractor Supply
Things may get a little harder for an older dog or aging feline, but that doesn’t stop them from experiencing all the joys of companionship they had during their puppy and kitten years. When you enhance their everyday health and wellness with products in our inventory, you can expect barks and meows of content for as long as they’re by your side. For their best Life Out Here at any age, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or shop our selection online.