The Golden Years
Best practices used by veterinary clinics to care for senior pets.
Thanks to better nutrition and medical advances, people are living longer in nearly all areas of the world. In 1900, the average life expectancy was 32 years. 1 Today, that has more than doubled to 73 years. 2
Similarly, our pets are living longer. According to MRI-Simmons data, households with senior pets 7 years and older grew significantly from 2012 to 2022. Households with a senior dog increased from 41.6% to 53.5%, while households with a senior cat increased from 46% to 52%. 3
A VetSuccess study comprised of data from thousands of U.S. veterinary clinics and included more than 14 million dogs and cats showed that 18% were 7 to 9 years old, and 26% were 10 years or older. 4
As our companion animals age, their healthcare needs shift and they require a tailored approach to ensure their golden years are comfortable, healthy and happy. This article explores senior pet issues and best practices veterinarians are using to provide the care they need.
Why are pets living longer?
Pets’ increasing life expectancy is largely attributed to advances in veterinary medicine, improved pet nutrition and pet owners’ growing awareness about preventive care. With better vaccines, more effective treatments for chronic conditions and specialized diets, pets are living longer and healthier lives. Additionally, more pet owners are committed to regular veterinary check-ups for their pet, which can help manage health issues before they become severe and extend the pet’s lifespan and quality of life.
Another contributing factor is the strong human-animal bond. Many owners consider pets family members and are willing to invest in their health and well-being. As pets age, owners are more attuned to their needs, seeking veterinary support for age-related conditions. This increased attention to older pets’ health is resulting in a rise in specialized care, geriatric veterinary services and demand for expertise in managing age-associated ailments.
Common conditions
Senior pets present with a unique set of age-related health challenges. Proactive monitoring, early diagnosis and targeted treatment are key to enhancing their quality of life and longevity. Here is an overview of the most common conditions that require monitoring in senior pets:
- Cancer – Approximately 50% of dogs will develop cancer. 5 And senior cats are also at higher risk. Routine palpation for masses, cytology and further diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound and radiology, help with early detection.
- Musculoskeletal and joint degeneration – Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases are highly prevalent in aging pets. Regular assessments of joint range of motion, gait analysis and pain level evaluations help tailor management plans.
- Renal insufficiency – Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is especially common in older cats, but also affects senior dogs. Routine blood work, including creatinine, BUN and SDMA, and urinalysis are vital for early detection and staging.
- Cardiovascular disease – Older pets are at increased risk for heart disease, including valvular disorders in dogs and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. Regular cardiac auscultation, thoracic radiographs, echocardiography and blood pressure monitoring are key.
- Endocrine disorders – Common endocrine issues include hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats and diabetes mellitus in both species. Regular screening for hormonal imbalances, especially when changes in weight, coat or behavior occur, allows for early intervention.
- Dental disease – Periodontal disease can lead to systemic health issues and significant discomfort. Thorough routine oral exams, along with regular professional cleanings and dental radiography to assess the supporting structures, are essential.
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) – CDS, which commonly affects senior pets, manifests as disorientation, altered sleep patterns, anxiety and changes in social interactions. Early recognition allows for early management that may include cognitive enrichment, environmental adjustments, dietary modifications and medications or supplements such as selegiline or omega-3 fatty acids.
- Obesity – Obesity exacerbates many age-related health issues, including osteoarthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular strain. Nutritional counseling and regular body condition scoring are critical, along with designing weight management plans that incorporate prescription diets and exercise strategies.
Improving senior pet care
Senior pets require a multifaceted supportive approach that focuses on preventive care, early detection and lifestyle adjustments to manage age-related changes. “[Practices that excel at senior care] take a proactive approach to recognize pain and perform routine labwork,” said Allen Craig, DVM, owner of Lebanon Animal Hospital in Lebanon, Tennessee, and All Cats and Dogs Veterinary Hospital in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “They also listen to their client’s concerns. Sometimes it’s major medical issues, such as weight loss and loss of appetite that bring in a senior patient. Sometimes it’s just as important to our clients that we address milder problems, such as changes in behavior or sleep patterns, and inability to jump on the couch.”
Veterinary clinics that provide optimal senior pet care do the following:
- Provide senior healthcare plans – Routine check-ups are more critical for senior pets, and biannual exams are recommended to monitor for early disease signs and track diagnostic changes. Providing a comprehensive senior healthcare plan can encourage owners to follow recommendations. Plan suggestions include:
- Offering two office visits per year discounted from the original office visit fee to incentivize biannual wellness exams
- Allowing at least 30 minutes for a senior pet consultation
- Asking clients to complete ahead of time a senior pet health questionnaire that they bring to the appointment
- Asking clients to journal about their pet’s health, so staff can easily determine the pet’s progress and identify concerns
- Manage pain effectively – Pain management is essential for senior pets, because chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, dental disease and other age-related issues can significantly impact their quality of life. Proactive pain management improves comfort, preserves mobility and promotes a more active and engaged lifestyle. Veterinarians can ensure their patients’ pain is effectively managed by:
- Asking clients to record their pet walking and navigating stairs, so staff don’t have to rely on their movements in an unfamiliar clinic environment
- Educating clients about recognizing subtle signs of pain in their senior pets
- Offering special services, such as laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and physical therapy
- Recommending environmental modifications, such as ramps, orthopedic beds and non-slip mats, to increase the pet’s comfort at home
- Customize nutrition plans – Offer senior pet nutrition consultations to assess body and muscle condition scores and determine if the pet needs a specialized diet for joint support or a chronic condition, such as diabetes or CKD. These consultations can help clinics customize the pet’s nutrition plan and provide the owner with clear dietary guidelines. These sessions are also a great opportunity to encourage appropriate daily physical activity that aligns with the pet’s condition.
- Encourage dental care – Dental health is a significant concern that can affect senior pets’ overall health. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings, along with an at-home dental care routine, help prevent oral disease and reduce systemic impacts.
- Recognize cognitive decline – Educate clients to recognize early cognitive dysfunction signs so clinics can provide appropriate interventions. In addition, encourage pet owners to consistently mentally engage with their senior pet to support their cognitive health.
- Communicate with pet owners – Caring for a senior pet often requires collaborative decision-making with pet owners. Regular communication about their pet’s changing needs and recognizing early signs of discomfort or disease will empower owners to play an active role in their pet’s health. A care plan that includes realistic, manageable steps can help reduce the owner’s stress and improve the pet’s quality of life. Additionally, discussing palliative and end-of-life care options, including hospice care or pain management, at the appropriate time, can provide compassionate support as pets reach their final life stages.
- Support the pet owner – Caring for a senior pet with health challenges can be emotionally and physically taxing for owners. Resources such as a caregiver assessment chart or quality of life scale ensure clients get the support they need during difficult times.
Supporting senior pets through their later years requires a proactive and compassionate approach that balances medical management, pain relief and behavioral support. Veterinarians who implement these practices during this important stage of life can help extend their senior patients’ longevity and quality of life while fostering strong, trust-based relationships with pet owners.
References:
1 Our World in Data. (n.d.) Life Expectancy. Retrieved from: ourworldindata.org/life-expectancy.
2 Macrotrends. (2024). World Life Expectancy. Retrieved from: macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/WLD/world/life-expectancy.
3 Global Pet Industry. (n.d.) Seniors are a Growing Part of Pet Population. Retrieved from: globalpetindustry.com/article/seniors-are-growing-part-pet-population
4 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). (2023) Senior Marketing: A Growing Opportunity for Practices. Trends Magazine, February 2023. Retrieved from: aaha.org/trends-magazine/february-2023/f1-senior-marketing-feb23/
5 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (n.d.) Cancer in Pets. Retrieved from: avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancerpets.
Cater to Senior Pets
Veterinary clinics can create a senior-pet friendly environment by:
- Designating a “grey muzzle” parking spot
- Creating senior pet-specific clinic policies and medical protocols that address patient-holding techniques, anesthesia protocols and monitoring, surgical positioning and venipuncture
- Placing non-slip mats throughout the clinic to reduce the risk of falling
Photo credit: istockphoto.com/Chalabala