Senior Care

As your furry family member adds years to either age, it’s important their care ages with them. Senior pets require different care than younger pets, since their bodies and needs evolve over time. It’s important to rely on our veterinary team to provide support for ways we can reimagine your pet’s care to ensure they continue to live a long and happy life.

When is my furry friend considered a senior?

Pets tend to age at a much faster rate than humans, sometimes even two and three times as fast! In order to keep up with their needs, regular checkup with our veterinary team helps us to stay on top of any changes that need to be made to their care. Depending on your pet’s breed and size, they might show signs of aging earlier or later. For example, larger canine friends age at a faster rate than smaller ones.

What are the signs of aging for pets?

Since you spend the most time with your pet, you are the best person to notice early signs of aging. These might be gradual signs that progress over time or things that seem to appear suddenly. Signs vary depending on your furry family member but generally, things to look out for are:

• Fur/hair appears grey
• Moving at a slower pace than usual
• Playing or interacting with loved ones less
• Being less active and willing to move around
• Lumps and bumps throughout their body
• Responding less when you call then, due to hearing loss

How do pets’ care change as they age?

As pets age, they might develop health issues they didn’t experience in their youth. You might also notice a change in their behaviour like unwillingness to eat foods they once enjoyed or abandoning toys they used to love. To support them, changes you can make might look like integrating a new pet food or finding different ways to spend quality time. If you have any questions about changes you might need to make to your pet’s care, please contact us at 403-337-3221.