Senior Status? Understanding Your Senior Pet’s Life Stage

Factors that influence aging in pets

Age is more than a number, especially for pets. As such, no specific chronological age defines a pet as “senior.” The term is generally applied to pets in the last 25% of their estimated life span. For cats, senior status is defined as greater than 10 years of age.

Many physiological factors influence your pet’s unique life stage, including:

• Species — Different species age at different rates. For instance, cats and dogs have different lifespans and aging processes. While dogs and cats are commonly considered seniors in their later years, the exact age when they reach this stage can vary.
• Size — Size plays a significant role in determining species senior status. For dogs, smaller breeds generally live longer than larger breeds and may not be considered seniors until around 12 years old, whereas a large dog can reach senior status as early as 7 to 8 years old.
• General health — Pets with chronic health issues or who have experienced significant health challenges may age earlier than their peers.

Why age matters

Recognizing when your pet becomes a senior is important for several reasons:

• Changing needs — Senior pets have different needs than their younger counterparts,  including increased veterinary care needs, lifestyle changes, and environment modifications. Understanding the importance and timing of these changes helps to maintain their quality of life.
• Disease detection — Aging pets are more prone to certain health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and dental disease. Increased veterinary visits and screening tests can lead to early disease detection and more effective management and treatment.
• Quality of life — Acknowledging your pet’s senior status helps you stay attuned to subtle changes in their behavior and health, so you can seek appropriate care when necessary.

Supporting your senior pet

Help your best friend enjoy their golden years by making them as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Specific considerations include:

• Increasing veterinary care — Senior pets require more frequent veterinary exams to support their overall health. These visits should include comprehensive health assessments, screenings for common age-related conditions, pain evaluations, appropriate laboratory testing, and discussions about changes in your pet’s health, daily routine, or behavior.
• Modifying diet and exercise — Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining your senior pet’s health. Ask your veterinarian for diet recommendations that support your pet’s life stage and existing health conditions. Adjust your pet’s exercise to accommodate any mobility issues or reduced energy levels. Regular low-impact activity helps keep your pet’s muscles strong and joints flexible, while also enriching their mind and alleviating stress.
• Making your home more accessible — Arthritis is one of the most common senior pet ailments, causing decreased mobility, stiffness, and pain. Simple home modifications, such as pet ramps or stairs, non-slip rugs, and orthopedic pet beds can help your pet confidently navigate their environment.
• Recognizing pain — Chronic or ongoing pain, especially from conditions such as arthritis or dental disease, is common in senior pets. Unfortunately, many pets show only subtle pain signs, such as personality changes or unusual habits. Watch your pet regularly for uncharacteristic behavior and discuss any concerning signs with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian.
• Supporting your pet during sensory decline — Senior pets may lose their vision, hearing, and sense of smell. You should be patient and adjust your home environment to help your pet feel safe. This may include using scent markers or increased lighting to help your pet navigate their surroundings, removing obstructions from their normal path, and placing gates at the top of stairs to prevent falls.

Time for a talk? Consult your veterinarian about your senior pet’s care

Understanding and recognizing when your pet is a senior is a crucial step in providing appropriate care. Fortunately, you and your pet don’t have to navigate the ups and downs of this unique life stage on your own. Your AAHA-accredited veterinarian will provide ongoing, expert care and age-based recommendations tailored to your pet’s specific needs, so you’ll always know your best friend is receiving the best possible care.

References:

“Defining the Senior Patient.” AAHA, American Animal Hospital Association, 13 Dec. 2022, www.aaha.org/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/defining-the-senior-patient/.

“2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines.” AAHA, American Animal Hospital Association, 17 Feb. 2021, www.aaha.org/resources/2021-aaha-aafp-feline-life-stage-guidelines/.