As pets get older, it is easy to put changes down to age.
They are slowing down.
They are sleeping more.
They are not jumping like they used to.
They seem a little quieter.
They have lost some weight.
Sometimes those changes are part of ageing. Sometimes they are signs that something else is going on.
At Latrobe Vets, we do not believe “they are just old” is enough of an answer.
*Cats age differently- mature is usually 7-10 and senior is 10+
Breed, size, species and medical history all influence when a pet is considered senior.
A large dog may show signs of ageing earlier than a smaller dog, while cats can remain outwardly youthful for a long time even when underlying changes are developing.
This is why we prefer to look at the individual pet rather than the number alone.Senior pets are more likely to develop conditions that may not be obvious at first.
The challenge is that many of these conditions can begin quietly.
A pet may still be eating, walking and behaving relatively normally while something is starting to change internally.
That is why regular senior health checks can be so valuable.
A senior health check gives us an opportunity to look at your pet as a whole and compare how they are doing over time.
Just as importantly, we want to hear what you have noticed at home.
You know your pet best.
Small changes such as taking longer to get up, drinking more, eating differently or avoiding stairs can sometimes tell us a lot.
Blood tests can help us look for changes in areas such as kidney function, liver function, blood sugar and other indicators of internal health.
Sometimes the results are completely normal, which gives us a useful baseline.
At other times, they may identify something before your pet is obviously unwell.
That does not automatically mean there is a serious problem. It gives us an opportunity to investigate, monitor or make changes earlier.
That early intervention approach is a big part of how we care for senior pets.
If your older pet is living with a chronic health condition, waiting a full year between appointments may be too long.
For senior pets living with an ongoing condition, we may recommend check-ins around every six months rather than waiting a full year.
The aim is to stay ahead of the condition where possible and make small adjustments before your pet becomes noticeably unwell.
One of the strongest messages from the team was not to assume reduced mobility is simply part of getting old.
A dog that is slower to get up may be sore.
A cat that no longer jumps onto the bench may be uncomfortable.
A pet that has stopped doing something they once did easily is worth looking at more closely.
Arthritis is extremely common in older pets, but there are many ways we may be able to help.
These can include weight management, supplements, exercise changes, mobility support, pain relief and other treatment options.
Behaviour can change as pets age, but it is important not to assume every change is “just old age”.
Tell us if your pet:
Pain, illness and age-related cognitive changes can all affect behaviour.
Sometimes relatively small changes to treatment, routine or environment can make a meaningful difference.
Weight changes in older pets should not be ignored.
Unexpected weight loss may be linked to illness, while weight gain can place additional strain on joints and mobility.
Tracking weight over time helps us identify gradual changes that are easy to miss at home.
It also allows us to adjust nutrition and treatment plans as your pet’s needs change.
Dental disease is also common in senior pets.
And because dogs and cats can continue eating despite significant oral pain, it can be easy to underestimate how uncomfortable a mouth has become.
Bad breath, changes in chewing, dropping food, preferring softer food or visible tartar are all worth mentioning.
Older age does not mean dental pain should simply be tolerated. View more on our dental services >
Where treatment is recommended, we will consider your pet’s overall health, discuss anaesthetic risk and use the monitoring and diagnostic support needed to make the safest plan possible.
It is about helping them live well.
That means looking at comfort, mobility, appetite, interaction, sleep, enjoyment and the things that make your pet feel like themselves.
There is so much more we can do for older pets than owners realise.
The important thing is having the conversation.
Independently owned veterinary care for cats, dogs, birds and small pets across the Latrobe Valley.
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