Five changes in your senior pet you should never ignore

Acknowledging our pets are aging can be difficult, but time passes swiftly in the world of our beloved furry friends.
Cats are considered senior at around 11 years, and many dogs are considered senior from about seven years old, depending on their breed. 
Just like humans, as our pets age, they are particularly susceptible to health issues impacting their quality of life but recognising and addressing these five changes promptly may significantly improve their well-being and lifespan.
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A veterinary visit is essential if your pet’s weight fluctuates significantly without changes to their diet. This applies to both weight loss and weight gain.
Significant weight changes can signal issues such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or alterations in metabolism and muscle tone, which are sometimes associated with aging.
An increase in thirst, coupled with more frequent urination, can be a sign of several health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease. Addressing these symptoms early can help manage the condition and drastically improve your pet’s quality of life.
Notable changes in your pet’s eating habits – whether a decrease in appetite or an increase in hunger can be a sign of several health problems. Loss of appetite might be due to dental issues, gastrointestinal problems, or more severe conditions like cancer. Conversely, increased hunger can be associated with diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
Chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for three or more months beyond the initial injury or tissue damage, can be challenging to identify in pets. Key signs include changes in mobility, posture, and behaviour. 
Pets often mask their pain, especially in clinical settings, but look for signs such as:
Repeated chewing, biting, or scratching at a specific area.
Altered activity level, reluctance to move or jump. Slow to get up from their bed.
Poor response to medications, indicating the need for a multi-faceted approach.
If your pet appears to be slowing down or in pain, it’s crucial to schedule a check-up. Being proactive and intervening early is key to managing chronic pain effectively and ensuring your pet’s comfort.
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As pets age, they may experience sensory losses, such as reduced hearing or vision, leading to changes in behaviour like unexplained barking, confusion, and lack of responsiveness to commands. 
However, these behavioural changes could also signal dementia. Symptoms of pet dementia include anxiety, aimless wandering, decreased appetite, and notable shifts in behaviour. Although there is no cure, management is possible through medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes and available under veterinary guidance.
If you have concerns regarding your senior pet, your veterinarian is there to guide you and tailor a care plan that suits your pet’s needs. Palliative care, which focuses on providing comfort rather than curative treatment, can significantly improve the quality of life for aging pets and help families prepare for end-of-life care.
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Thanks to Sunset Vets for their contributions to this article. Sunset Vets is dedicated to compassionate palliative care and euthanasia services, working in partnership with your regular veterinary clinic to offer at-home end-of-life care.
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