Senior Pet Care UK

Ageing is gradual. Many changes — slower walks, more sleeping, greying muzzle — are normal. Sudden changes in appetite, behaviour or mobility need veterinary assessment.

Senior pets should see the vet twice yearly. Checks typically include:

• Weight and body condition — obesity worsens arthritis and organ disease
• Blood and urine tests — detect kidney, liver and thyroid disease early
• Blood pressure — especially important for cats (hypertension)
• Dental examination — dental pain reduces eating and causes systemic infection
• Joint assessment — arthritis is painful but treatable
• Heart and lung check — murmurs and respiratory disease become more common

Early diagnosis often means simpler, more effective treatment.

Arthritis — Stiffness, limping, reluctance to jump. Vet-prescribed pain relief and weight management help significantly.

Kidney disease — Increased drinking and urination, weight loss, poor appetite. Prescription renal diets slow progression.

Dental disease — Bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating. Professional cleaning under anaesthesia may be needed.

Cognitive dysfunction — Disorientation, altered sleep, house-soiling in dogs; confusion in cats. Management includes routine, enrichment and sometimes medication.

Cancer — Lumps, weight loss, lethargy. Early lump checks improve outcomes.

Vision and hearing loss — Gradual; avoid rearranging furniture; use verbal cues.

• Switch to senior or prescription diets as advised by your vet
• Monitor portion sizes — metabolism slows; obesity is common
• Ensure easy access to water — raised bowls for arthritic pets
• Wet food helps hydration in cats prone to kidney disease
• Avoid sudden diet changes — transition over 7–10 days

• Orthopaedic bedding in warm, quiet locations
• Ramps and steps to furniture and vehicles
• Non-slip mats on slippery UK kitchen and hallway floors
• Shorter, more frequent walks for arthritic dogs
• Low-sided litter trays for stiff cats
• Night lights for pets with vision loss
• Gentle grooming — seniors may struggle to groom themselves

Discuss with your vet if your pet:

• Stops enjoying favourite activities
• Has more bad days than good
• Experiences unmanageable pain despite treatment
• Stops eating or drinking reliably

Honest conversations about quality of life help guide compassionate decisions.