As animals age, visible signs of aging appear. As animals age, their general health often undergoes significant changes, including joint pain and loss of mobility. Understanding the signs and symptoms of your dog or cat’s changing health needs will help you get them the medical care they need.
When is my dog considered a senior?
Veterinarians consider dogs to be older pets than you might think. A dog’s “senior” status may vary depending on the weight of its breed.
dog’s weight | Age at which they are a senior dog |
Small breeds (weighing between 2 and 20 lbs) |
7 years |
Medium breeds (weighing between 21 and 50 lbs) | 7 years |
Large breeds (weighing between 51 and 90 lbs) | Age 5 |
Giant breeds (weighing over 90 pounds) | Age 5 |
Senior pets require different levels of veterinary care and a change in their dietary and exercise needs. Once your pet is considered a senior, it’s essential to schedule a wellness visit with your veterinarian to ensure you’re giving your dog or cat the proper care and nutrition. Additionally, older pets may need to start seeing their veterinarian twice a year.
Understanding Health Issues in Older Pets
Aging is a natural process, and your older pet will begin to move more slowly, turn a little gray around the muzzle, and you will notice noticeable changes in their physique.
1. Loss of strength in older animals
![a large dog uses a rear support harness for the rear legs](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/JBL9336.jpg)
It is quite common for older dogs to lose muscle and gain weight. Many older animals will experience a shift in energy. They probably sleep more and play less. This results from older dogs and cats having a lower level of endurance and the onset of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease, all of which can make joints painful. movements of your pet as before.
Older animals often suffer from muscle atrophy or loss of muscle mass, most commonly in the hind legs, but an animal’s front legs can also atrophy. As muscle mass decreases, your older pet will struggle to support itself. These signs can range from shaky hind legs, swaying, or even an older dog’s paws giving way occasionally. Even if a change in a pet’s mobility is life changing, that doesn’t mean it has to end its life.
Many senior pets depend on the daily support of a rear dog wheelchair for continued mobility. Pet wheelchairs provide support and stability to keep your pet on all fours so they can enjoy a happy and active life.
2. Older Pets Can Experience Vision Loss
![blind dog halo for large dogs](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/BlindDogHalo_Storm.jpg)
Changes in an animal’s eyesight are common as it ages. Many older animals develop eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. In many older pets, sight loss occurs gradually and may not be noticeable until your pet begins to bump into walls and furniture or struggles to find food. Animals with vision loss and blindness will also exhibit other behavioral changes.
Older pets that suddenly become clingy or seem reluctant to jump off the couch may also lose their sight. It is important that older dogs and cats visit the veterinarian at least every 6-9 months. Your veterinarian will check your pet’s vision and look for more subtle signs of sensory loss that you may not notice.
3. Hearing loss in aging animals
Hearing loss is another sensory change your senior pet may experience. Age-related hearing loss in dogs is usually gradual and usually occurs over several years. Unlike humans, who can be deafened by loud noise, dogs are genetically predisposed to hearing loss. A dog’s hearing is impaired when the hair cells located in the inner ear are damaged or die. These hair cells pick up sound vibrations and these nerves communicate the sound to the dog’s brain. When these cells die, it disrupts this communication, causing deafness.
Early signs of hearing loss are difficult for pet parents to detect, as they can begin with an inability to hear only certain tones and can also impact each ear differently. Even without hearing, dogs still rely heavily on their other senses, which makes it even harder to miss the signs of hearing loss.
4. Behavioral changes
![corgi wheelchair](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/wally_corgiwheelchair.webp)
It’s common for noticeable changes to occur in your senior pet’s routine. Older pets need less exercise, can eat less often and sleep more.
Many older animals move a little slower and even have trouble getting up after a long nap. These can be signs of joint pain, arthritis, or loss of strength in the legs. They can also be a sign of a change in mobility in your dog or cat. Be alert to these behavioral changes and be sure to let your veterinarian know. They can help you determine if your dog’s medical needs have changed since his last exam.
5. Health Changes in Aged Animals
Loss of mobility, changes in an older pet’s behavior, and sensory changes are just a few of the health changes older pets can experience. There are also many health issues that only occur in older cats and dogs, such as:
- Canine cognitive dysfunction, also known as canine dementia
- Arthritis
- Change in mobility due to hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Experience a significant loss of mobility
Pet parents with senior cats or dogs should ensure that their pet receives the geriatric care it needs. The health needs of older animals are very different from those of a younger animal. Your pet may need special food, joint supplements, a change in their exercise routine, and special medications. If your pet is considered a “senior,” make an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure they are getting everything they need to stay healthy.
![Buy a full support dog wheelchair](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/Full-Support-Wheelchair-buy-now.jpeg)