As your pet ages, you’ll need to adjust their care to meet their evolving needs. This might look like introducing new foods, trying different activities, reconfiguring your home and finding ways to help them maintain a high quality of life. If you need support re-examining the type of care you give to your senior pet, please contact us for an appointment at 519-624-9760.

My pet has a few grey hairs. Are they a senior now?

Greying is definitely one of the signs of aging but there are other factors that determine if your pet is a senior. Depending on your pet’s breed, they might show signs of aging slower or quicker than other furry friends. For example, larger dogs tend to age quicker than smaller ones. Between 5 and 10 years old is when your furry family member might be considered a senior citizen.

What are the signs of aging?

Signs of aging differ based on the specific pets. But generally, some signs you can look out for are:

• Greying on their head or chest
• Spending less time playing or engaging in physical activity
• Jutting out hip bones
• Stepping with less pep
• Avoiding stair or other off-the-ground areas
• Responding less to their name
• Seeming less social with friends and family

What changes should I make to support my pet as they age?

You might need to incorporate more high-protein foods in their diet. Their diet might also need to be tailored to any health issues they’re facing to support their immune system. Heating up their food might also make it seem more appetizing and spark their appetite. You might also need to install a few ramps in your space to make more of their designated areas like their bed or food more accessible.