Senior Care for Pets

Many changes occur when your cat or dog enters their senior years. Although aging is not a disease, your loyal companion is more susceptible to different illnesses as they get older. To ensure your cat or dog ages gracefully, they should have two veterinary checkups each year. Regular veterinary examinations will give our team the opportunity to detect illnesses early and adjust their care to meet their needs.

When will my cat become a senior?

Feline companions have a longer lifespan when compared to dogs. The average age for a cat to be considered a senior is between 11-14 years old.

When is my dog considered a senior?

Senior status varies for dogs according to their size and breed. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than large dogs, so they are considered seniors at different ages. Large dogs may be considered seniors at 7 years-old, medium-sized dogs become seniors at 10-years-old and small dogs are considered seniors around 11-12 years of age. Your veterinarian can more accurately determine when your dog enters their senior status. To learn more about your loyal companion, feel free to call us at 705-325-4224.

What are signs that my cat or dog is becoming a senior?

As a senior, your cat or dog will encounter different challenges which can affect their physical and mental features. Here are some signs that usually appear as your cat or dog begins to age:

1. Sleeping more
2. Declining senses - poor hearing/eyesight
3. Grey fur
4. Irritability
5. Mental decline - confusion, no longer responding, soiling the house
6. Matted and unkempt coat in cats

What common illnesses are seen in senior cats and dogs?

With their bodies slowing down and their immune systems weakened, cats and dogs are susceptible to more illnesses as they get older. To ensure your senior pet remains healthy it is imperative for them to have regular veterinary exams every year. Bi-annual veterinary exams can detect:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Cognitive dysfunction / Alzheimer's disease