Almost nothing is more exciting than bringing a new kitten or puppy into your life. At that stage they’re all energy and excitement as their joints develop, their brains grow, and they cement their place as a well-loved member of the family.
At some point (and this is dependent on breed and size) that puppy or kitten becomes a young adult, and then an adult, and then begins to move into the dignified ‘senior’ stage of life. This graph can help you understand where your pet sits:
How are things different for senior pets?
Naturally, things change as your pet gets older – and they’ll need some extra love to keep them joyfully moving through life. Vision, hearing, joints and teeth are all affected by age, but Pet Loyalists can adapt habits and routines (their own too!) to keep their pet happy and in good condition. We suggest some key areas of focus:
Exercise - keep moving, but a little more gently
Keeping your pet moving is a key component of their health and happiness, but the level of exercise needs to be adjusted as they get older. Natural wear and tear on joints causes cartilage to become less resilient, synovial fluid to get less slippery, and ligaments and tendons to get less flexible (Dog Loyalists, you can read more about that here).
All of that means keeping an eye on how your pet is moving and behaving, and modifying exercise to accommodate changes in joints and stamina. This is particularly something for Dog Loyalists to think about when walking their pet – it doesn’t mean you need to stop exercising together, but it might mean less hiking up hills and more gentle, shorter wanders through the forest.
Food - adapt your pet’s diet carefully
Pets are beautifully unique and so are their dietary requirements, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to food. Senior diets can be very helpful for your pet, but vary hugely in terms of calories, protein levels, phosphorus content and fiber types, and may not take into account specific needs and diagnoses.
For example, pets that have lost muscle will need more protein, while pets that struggle with their weight need something that helps them feel full without loading up on calories. Over time, your senior pet might need more targeted renal, joint or cognitive support – and you can keep an eye on this with the help of your vet and periodic bloodwork.
Ideally, senior pets are fed highly digestible, bioavailable protein to maintain muscle mass, which has been associated with longer life expectancy in dogs. Older cats will also need food with increased moisture, as they’re prone to kidney disease and chronic dehydration. For both cat and dog, moderately lower calories will take into account their slower metabolic rate, and help maintain a healthy weight.
And when it comes to treats – do we sense some ears perking up? – it’s about fewer, but better quality. Consider options with added value like WellJoy’s range of Dual-Benefit treats, which target specific areas of wellbeing as well as boosting your pet’s all-important gut microbiome. Green beans and bone broth ice cubes (yum!) can also be excellent, low-calorie options.
Supplements - target the areas your pet needs the most support
Adding in supplements can introduce targeted support where your pet really needs it. We recommend first talking to your vet about what would be most beneficial, and then finding and introducing the right supplement (look for the NASC Quality seal).
If you’re new to supplements, we’ve shared guides on how to best add them into your dog routine here, or your cat’s routine here. To start with, introduce one new thing at a time so you’re able to assess the impact.
WellJoy’s supplements can support cats’ immunity and their urinary tract health – for year-round wellness and happy pees – and dogs’ immunity and joint health – to promote immune response and keep those joints strong and healthy. All of our supplements also contain GutBoost®: a signature blend of prebiotics, enzymes and postbiotics that’s beneficial to gut health (and a big power-up for those supplements’ targeted ingredients).
Sleeping - comfier beds, longer naps
Dogs and cats love to sleep. Incredibly, as they get older, they sleep even more. You can expect deeper, longer naps and earlier bed-times, and you might want to think about a serious upgrade of their bed situation.
If they sleep comfortably alongside you (and why not?) then installing a ramp can make getting into bed easier on senior joints. If they prefer their own space, make sure they’re in a warm place, free of drafts, and consider investing in an orthopedic bed that gives some extra support.
It’s possible that as your pet ages they will experience more fragmented sleep, due to bathroom needs, arthritis or mild cognitive changes. That’s normal, but if your pet is pacing, restless or vocalizing at night, it’s time for a trip to the vet.
Pet Loyalist mindset – simple routines, small changes
- Caring for an older cat or dog is a privilege, and the Pet Loyalist role can’t be overestimated. No-one knows your pet like you, which means you can be uniquely alert to any changes and respond accordingly with adaptations in their routine and home life.
- If they have reduced vision, invest in nightlights, avoid moving furniture around, and consider ‘marking’ corners with a scent like lavender, so they know where things are.
- If you know your pet isn’t hearing so well, consider being more gentle in how you approach and pick them up, to avoid startling them.
- If they’re achy in the joints, add no-slip flooring, ramps, or install cat litter boxes with lower sides to make their day-to-day life easier.
- Check your pet regularly for new or growing lumps – catching cancerous growths early can dramatically improve outcomes.
- And finally, sticking to a regular routine can really help your pet feel safe and secure as they age.
Looking after a senior pet isn’t always easy, and it can be challenging seeing them grow older, but with the right diet, exercise, supplementation and some extra consideration from their Pet Loyalist, you can make those twilight years happy, comfortable and joyful.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.