Senior Pets: Welcoming the Golden Years

Pets age quietly. One day they still sprint for the leash or chase a toy, and the next you notice they slow down, sleep a little longer, or hesitate before jumping on the sofa. Senior pets don’t stop living – their needs simply change. With the right care, the senior years can be calm, comfortable, and deeply rewarding.

What aging looks like
The first signs are often subtle: a little stiffness in the morning, a smaller appetite, weight shifting up or down, less interest in play or greeting you at the door. These changes are not “just age” – they are signals that the body is asking for support.

Feeding the aging body
Metabolism slows, joints need help, digestion becomes more delicate. Senior nutrition focuses on three things: weight control, joint support, and gentle, high-quality ingredients that are easy to process. A diet adjustment can add years of comfort – but always with a vet’s guidance.

Why routine vet visits matter more now
A senior check every six months can catch kidney, liver, heart or dental disease before it becomes a crisis. Early diagnosis means easier treatment, less suffering, and more good years.

Keep the mind and body moving
Older pets still want purpose and engagement. Short walks, low-impact play, soft stretching, scent games or puzzle toys keep muscles from wasting and the mind from shutting down.

Typical challenges – and what you can do
Arthritis, kidney concerns, dental pain, fading vision or hearing are common in older animals. None of these mean the end. With treatment and management, many senior pets continue to enjoy life for a long time.

Make home kinder to an old body
Small changes help a lot: soft orthopedic bedding, ramps instead of jumps, non-slip rugs, quiet resting spaces away from stairs or drafts. Comfort is a form of medicine.

Questions we hear often

• When is my pet a senior? – Dogs around 7+, cats around 10+, rabbits from 4+. Large dog breeds may age even faster.
• How often should they see a vet? – Twice a year is ideal in the senior stage.
• Should I change the diet? – Usually yes, but only with professional guidance.
• Can they still learn? – Definitely. Brains age, but they still respond to new routine, new smells, and gentle training.

Growing old is not the end of the story
Senior pets ask for softer care, not less life. With attention, prevention, and kindness, the golden years can still be good years.

CONTACT US TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Email frontdesk@abvc.ae
Call 04-3408601
WhatsApp 050-3440987