At what age is a pet considered senior?
Pets are living longer thanks to better veterinary care and better nutrition, which means there’s a good chance that when you’re looking for your next mate, they’ll be a little older than you expected.
Older pets, or those defined around the ages of 5-7 and older, unfortunately tend to make up a good animal shelter population. They are often overlooked by potential adopters because older pets are assumed to have a significant health or behavioral problem given their age. This is an unfortunate stigma, as older pets have so much good they can offer you and your family, and making them a part of your forever home will give them a second chance to receive love in return.
While age is not considered a disease in and of itself, it can bring with it multiple conditions that a potential adopter should be aware of before making such a major commitment. Older pets have the advantage that they are already potty trained, socialized and possibly have their temperaments established. However, they are more likely to experience various health-related conditions, and unfortunately the time you spend with them may be shorter than desired.
How do you prepare for a senior pet?
Congratulations on giving a senior pet a second chance. By providing a loving forever home to a senior pet, you have not only given him another chance at life, but you have opened his heart to receive so much love and affection in return. Acclimating your older pet to his new life can be a little challenging at times, but fear not. If you follow some simple recommendations below and make some preparations in advance, you will be able to adjust more easily.
Before giving an older pet a second chance at a comfortable and loving home, be sure to discuss the following with shelter staff:
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What is the age (or best guess) of the dog/cat?
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What led you to live in the shelter (abandonment/resignation by owner, misplaced or misplaced, confiscated, etc.)?
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Past medical history, including diagnoses and/or treatments performed
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Current medical history, including any additional medical conditions determined
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Current behavior and/or temperament analysis (is he good with children, other dogs/cats, etc.?)
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Is the dog/cat potty trained, crate trained, able to walk on a leash, etc.?
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Does the dog/cat know any tricks? If so, what kind?
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Are there any low-cost in-house testing, coupons, or discounted healthcare options available to help with future costs?
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What special diet does the dog/cat follow? How much food is provided and at what times? What other options can be considered if the special diet is not available?
Older pets are more likely to experience arthritis and a general decline in their senses, such as sight and hearing, as well as decreased cognitive abilities. Therefore, small changes in the environment can have a big impact on your physical and emotional well-being, including:
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Litter—Reduces pressure on aging bones and joints. Orthopedic beds for dogs and cats are excellent accessories.
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Ramps, toe caps, floor mats— increase your gripping power and reduce the chance of slips and falls.
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Raised bowls for food and water—Prevents your pet from bending over too far to eat and drink, reducing pain.
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Larger Walking Litter Box—allows for easier access, limiting pressure on aging joints.
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Night light—Helps with faulty vision.
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harness support—Reduces stress when carrying your dog up the stairs, or in and out of cars, etc.
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supplements—such as Senilife® (brain health), Dasuquin® (joint care), or Denamarin® (liver health).
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Environmental enrichment— as food puzzles, as older pets may not be able to be as active.
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Consistency/daily routine and minimizing changing or adding furniture— facilitate movement and navigation around the house.
senior pet food diet
Also, since older pets tend to lose muscle and have slower metabolisms, senior diets are often recommended. These diets generally aim to help conserve protein and maintain a healthy body weight. Royal Canin® offers mobility support diets formulated with senior pets in mind.
Foods for seniors contain fats and antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which help slow neurological damage and provide additional sources of energy. Pets with certain medical conditions, such as urinary stones or kidney disease, may be prescribed a specific type of diet to help manage the condition.
As older pets also experience a decrease in their taste buds, it may be helpful to enrich the flavor of the diet by heating it or adding canned food. The right type of diet for your senior pet is a great topic to discuss on that first visit with your vet.
Questions for your vet, after you’ve reviewed the shelter’s records, should include:
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What type of diet should my pet follow and in what quantity?
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Should I receive supplements or medications? If so, what is follow-up care like and frequency of checkups?
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What kind and how much exercise should the pet be given each day?
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Should I have a test today? (Tests such as blood, urine, and stool tests, and even X-rays, may be recommended to check for hormonal disturbances, ensure adequate kidney and liver function, or determine the extent of any arthritis.)
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How often should you be taken for routine checkups and exams? Most older pets have a recommended blood test that should be done at least once a year, if not more often depending on the type of medication they are on.
What to expect when adopting a senior pet
There’s a lot to consider when adopting a senior pet, including a host of great benefits. For many, their temperament and health conditions are already known and it’s easy to tell if they would get along with your other pets or children.
They tend to require less training, as they may have already been potty trained, crate trained, or even trained in other areas, such as playing fetch. They can also come with a variety of tricks such as sit, stay, and roll over. You’ll also avoid puppy phases that are no doubt challenging and time consuming, including multiple overnight trips outside to eliminate. Don’t forget that older dogs can be excellent companions for people with a more sedentary lifestyle.
When considering adopting a senior pet, it’s also prudent to understand that the time they spend with you may be less than desired. Also, most of the health-related conditions you may experience are manageable, which means there is no real cure, but medications or supplements may be prescribed to manage side effects or treat signs related to the disease.
In addition to graying of the coat or stiff walking, older pets often experience the following conditions:
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Arthritis
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Cancer
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Cognitive dysfunction (similar to Alzheimer’s in people) and anxiety
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dental disease
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Endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism and liver and kidney diseases
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Loss of vision, hearing and taste
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Lumps and bumps
Even if your pet currently doesn’t have any of the problems described above, regular checkups with your vet can help identify and manage those conditions as they arise, leading to a better quality of life in the long run.
Long-term management of an older pet
To make the most of your pet’s golden years, it is recommended that you partner with your veterinarian to set up a schedule for follow-up visits. This will not only ensure your pet’s comfort level and overall quality of life, but will also allow for follow-up blood work and other diagnostics as needed. They are most likely taking chronic medications and supplements, so frequent checks are needed to ensure there is no organ damage and that the level of effectiveness of the medications is monitored.
With a combination of frequent medical attention and environmental enrichment, comforts, and increased vigilance and care from you, you can rest easy knowing that your senior pet will live out his best years in a comfortable and loving home.
