Caring for Senior Pets: Ensuring Comfort and Happiness in Their Golden Years
It’s hard to believe that my beloved Hobbes, a Great Dane mix, is turning 12 this year. It feels like just yesterday he was a bouncy puppy, full of endless energy. Now, he greets the morning a little slower, takes his time getting comfortable at night, and grunts as he flops down. Despite his greying muzzle and new lumps, he remains the first to greet me at the door and the first to rest his head on my lap when he senses I need comfort. The wisdom in his eyes is undeniable, but so too is the need to ensure his aging body remains comfortable and pain-free.
Identifying a Senior Pet
Aging is inevitable, for both humans and pets alike. According to the 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, a senior dog is defined as being in the last 25% of their estimated lifespan through the end of life. This means that larger breed dogs, who have shorter lifespans, may enter their senior years earlier than smaller breeds. Meanwhile, the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines and the 2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines classify cats over 10 years of age as seniors. Recognizing these definitions allows us to better care for our aging companions and tailor their needs accordingly.
Establishing a Senior Pet Care Schedule
Caring for a senior pet requires nearly as much attention as caring for a young one. After years of self-sufficiency, subtle changes begin to appear: a lagging pace on walks, hesitation before jumping onto furniture, or reluctance in the dark. These small signs indicate that our pets need extra care and attention during their final years.
One of the best steps in maintaining a senior pet’s health is scheduling routine veterinary visits every six months. These visits should include a comprehensive lab panel to monitor internal organ function. Common areas of focus for senior pet care include:
Nutrition: Adjusting diet to meet changing metabolic and mobility needs.
Mobility: Identifying and addressing joint pain or stiffness.
Cognitive Dysfunction & Behavioral Anxiety: Recognizing changes in mental function and anxiety-related behaviors.
Dentistry: Keeping up with dental hygiene to prevent pain and systemic infections.ce.
Recognizing and Addressing Common Issues
One of the most common concerns in senior pets is arthritis. Detecting joint pain can be challenging, as pets instinctively mask discomfort. Owners may notice subtle changes, such as decreased activity, reluctance to go up stairs, or a stiff gait after resting. To aid in diagnosis, capturing a home video of your pet moving naturally can provide invaluable insight for your veterinarian.
A Multi-Modal Approach to Treatment
Managing mobility and pain in senior pets requires a comprehensive, multi-modal approach. At Blair Doon Veterinary Hospital, we offer a range of advanced treatments tailored to your pet’s specific needs:
Acupuncture & Photobiomodulation: Dr. Mikos, licensed in acupuncture from CuraCore Academy, provides acupuncture treatments that can help alleviate pain and promote healing. We also utilize a Cutting Edge MLS Class IV laser for photobiomodulation therapy, reducing inflammation and improving mobility.
"I will forever feel grateful for the level of love and skill that Dr. Mikos gave my dog Blue. I truly believe she gave us 2 more years together because of acupuncture. I feel so fortunate to have had this experience and to Blair Doon for continued care for all our sweet pets for the last 15+ years.. absolutely the best." – Christine Tasheff
Joint Injections: We offer advanced joint injections to improve joint function and slow the progression of arthritis.
Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy: Techniques like hydrotherapy, massage, and therapeutic exercises improve mobility and strength.
Diet & Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints and supports overall health. At Blair Doon Veterinary Hospital, we work with Hills Pet Nutrition to customize a weight loss program tailored to your pet’s needs, with additional support for secondary diseases if necessary.
Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals: Prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), along with supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, support joint health and pain relief. Librela (for dogs) and Solensia (for cats), our newest tool for pain relief, is a monoclonal antibody therapy specifically designed for osteoarthritis pain. This innovative treatment provides long-lasting pain control with minimal side effects, offering a breakthrough approach for managing chronic joint discomfort.
Environmental Modifications: Adding ramps, orthopedic beds, non-slip flooring, and solar outdoor stair lights can make daily life easier for senior pets.
A Commitment to Their Final Years
Aging is inevitable, but discomfort doesn’t have to be. By recognizing early signs of aging, implementing a tailored care plan, and adopting a multi-modal treatment approach, we can ensure our senior pets enjoy their golden years in comfort and happiness. They have given us their best years—now, it’s our turn to return the favor.
For Hobbes and all the other wise, grey-muzzled companions out there, let’s make every day as joyful and pain-free as possible.
