Caring for a Senior Pet: What They Don’t Tell You
(Dogs, Cats & the Reality of Ageing Gracefully)
So, your once sprightly pup is starting to grey around the muzzle. Or your feisty feline sleeps a little more and jumps a little less. Maybe you’re considering adopting a senior rescue dog or cat, wanting to give them the love they deserve in their twilight years.
Either way—this blog is for you.
Because while senior pets bring a calm, soul-deep kind of companionship… they also come with a unique set of needs. And frankly, most people aren’t told the full story when it comes to caring for ageing animals.
If you have a friend or family member with a senior pet, consider sharing this with them. It just might help them understand the small shifts, the subtle signs, and how to truly support their ageing companion.
Let’s unpack it together.
It’s Not Just “Old Age” – It’s Change
We often brush off little things—slowing down on walks, sleeping more, fussier appetites. But what’s sometimes labelled as “just getting older” might be your pet’s quiet way of saying, “I need a little help here.”
- Is your dog standing still and staring more often? It could be a sign of cognitive changes.
- Has your cat stopped grooming their once-glossy coat? Perhaps they’re finding the movement uncomfortable.
- Is your dog pausing at the stairs or furniture they once bounded over? Their joints may be asking for gentler handling.
These gentle changes are worth noticing—they’re our pets’ subtle way of reaching out.
Be curious. Be kind. Early awareness can change everything.
Routine Becomes Sacred
For older pets, familiarity brings comfort. A solid routine gives them a sense of calm and predictability, especially as senses like hearing and vision begin to fade.
- Feed at the same time each day.
- Stick to familiar walking routes—new tracks can be disorienting and confusing.
- Avoid rearranging furniture—even subtle shifts can unsettle an ageing pet.
This isn’t just about habit. It’s about creating a safe, dependable world for your pet as theirs starts to feel a little less certain.
Vet Visits Aren’t Optional Now
As pets age, regular health checks become a vital part of their care. Illnesses such as kidney disease, arthritis, and dental issues often show up quietly. A simple blood test can reveal a lot.
If vet clinics are stressful for your pet, ask if your local vet offers home visits, or seek out a mobile vet service. A check-up in the comfort of their own space can make a world of difference.
Be cautious around routine vaccinations—many senior pets have sufficient immunity, and over-vaccinating can place unnecessary strain on their systems. Your vet should be happy to discuss what’s truly needed based on your pet’s individual history and health.
Adopting a Senior Pet? Read This First
There’s something deeply meaningful about adopting a pet in their golden years. You’re giving them a gentle landing place, a soft spot to spend the rest of their days—and they will give back with quiet loyalty and love.
But it’s a different kind of journey. Be prepared for:
- Medications or supplements for age-related issues
- Possible toileting accidents or special bedding needs
- Slower walks, more naps, and gentle encouragement
It may be a shorter chapter, but it’s rich and rewarding. And when the time comes to say goodbye, you’ll know you made a real difference in their life.
Diet Matters More Than Ever
Nourishing an older pet is about more than just full bellies—it’s about support, comfort, and avoiding unnecessary strain on ageing organs.
✔ Include omega-3s for joint support
✔ Offer moisture-rich meals to support kidney health and hydration
✔ Choose low-phosphorus and easily digestible options
✔ Be mindful of allergies or food sensitivities that can appear later in life
If your pet is already on a particular food, don’t make sudden changes. Ease them gently into any dietary adjustments over a week or more, mixing the old with the new in increasing amounts.
🐾 Want natural, age-appropriate recipes? My book What’s Really in Your Dog’s Bowl? includes homemade meals and treats for senior pets—including options for arthritis and allergies. Grab it here.
Comfort Over Correction
Now’s the time to loosen the reins and focus on emotional well-being. Your pet might be slower to come when called, or occasionally have accidents indoors—it’s not disobedience, it’s decline.
Let them have that favourite blanket on the lounge. Forgive the stubborn moments. Offer more cuddles and fewer commands. This is the season of gentleness over discipline.
Every adjustment you make speaks love.
Look for These Subtle Signs of Decline
The signs can be easy to miss—but they matter:
- Panting while resting could signal discomfort or heart strain
- Bad breath may mean more than dental issues—it could indicate organ distress
- Weight changes, changes in appetite or toileting habits
- Pacing at night, restless sleep, or confusion in familiar places
These are your pet’s way of saying, “I need a little more help these days.”
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it usually is.
Give Them a Safe, Senior-Friendly Home
Your ageing pet deserves a home that supports their body as it slows down:
- Orthopaedic beds that cushion sore joints
- Ramps or steps to avoid unnecessary jumping
- Non-slip rugs or mats on slippery floors
- Easy-access food and water bowls, raised if needed to reduce neck strain
A few small changes can drastically improve their daily comfort.
And Finally—Be There
More than anything, your senior pet wants you. Your presence. Your voice. Your touch.
They don’t care if the bed is fancy or the treats are gourmet. They care that you’re close. That you see them. That you haven’t given up on them because they’re slower now.
When the end nears (and we’ll talk more about this in our next blog), the greatest gift you can give them is calm, loving companionship. Be their anchor.
Closing Thoughts
Senior pets are treasures—softened by time, full of wisdom, and deserving of our very best.
Whether you’ve raised them from puppyhood or welcomed them later in life, the love you give them now is profoundly meaningful.
And while caring for an older pet can be messy, emotional, and sometimes heart-breaking—it’s also one of the greatest privileges you’ll ever have.
Because when their story ends, you’ll know you were there—all the way to the last chapter.
©Majella Gee March 2025
Models: Main image - Syd (18 years young); Rusty the Labrador; Henry getting a health check at the vet; Samson (17 year old Tabby Cat); Sadie the Couch Potato, Molly the terrier, and last but not least, Boof and his rescuer Liz, spending some quality time together.
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