This episode looks at caring for senior pets, what “senior” really means for dogs and cats, the health changes that come with ageing, and the practical steps owners can take to keep older pets comfortable, healthy, and happy. The discussion explores mobility, arthritis, weight changes, cognitive decline, dental care, toileting issues, behaviour shifts, and the importance of regular vet checkups to detect age-related diseases early.
Podcast Summary: Caring for Senior Pets
- Pets age differently by size and species — small dogs may become senior at 8–9 years, large breeds as early as 5; most cats are considered senior from around 8.
- Senior pets benefit from more frequent vet checks — ideally every 6–12 months — because one year for them represents many human years of change.
- Arthritis is one of the most common age-related conditions; stiffness, reluctance to exercise, and reduced mobility may reflect pain, not “just old age.”
- Weight changes matter: some older pets gain weight due to reduced activity, while others lose weight due to kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, or digestive issues.
- Diet often needs adjusting — some pets benefit from lower-calorie senior diets, while others need higher-energy food depending on their condition.
- Older pets may experience hearing loss, vision decline, or cognitive dysfunction, leading to confusion, restlessness, or anxiety, especially at night.
- Enrichment and gentle exercise remain essential — mental stimulation and light physical activity support mobility and brain health.
- Toileting changes can indicate underlying medical issues, including kidney disease, diabetes, incontinence, spinal issues, or cognitive decline.
- Lumps and bumps are common; many are benign, but new or fast-growing lumps should be checked by a vet.
- Claw care becomes more important — older pets often don’t wear their nails down, especially cats that lose the ability to retract their claws fully.
- Dental health needs close attention, as tartar, gum disease, and missing teeth can make chewing painful and lead to infection.
- Comfort items like soft bedding, warm coats, traction aids, and accessible resting areas make a big difference in daily comfort.
- Senior vet checks often include blood tests and urine tests to detect early disease before symptoms appear.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 01:15 | What makes a pet a “senior” — age differences in dogs and cats. |
| 01:15 – 02:31 | Importance of regular vet checks and early diagnosis. |
| 02:31 – 04:06 | Common age-related issues and debunking “old age” as a diagnosis. |
| 04:06 – 06:27 | Arthritis signs, mobility concerns, and treatment options. |
| 06:27 – 08:46 | Weight gain, weight loss, and medical causes behind changes. |
| 08:46 – 10:14 | Nutrition adjustments and balancing multiple health needs. |
| 10:14 – 13:44 | Cognitive decline, anxiety, hearing/vision loss, and behaviour changes. |
| 13:44 – 15:15 | Importance of enrichment, exercise, and sensory stimulation. |
| 15:15 – 20:02 | Toileting changes, incontinence, and signs of disease. |
| 20:02 – 22:09 | Lumps, bumps, and monitoring changes over time. |
| 22:09 – 23:50 | Claw care, dental care, and daily maintenance for seniors. |
| 23:50 – 26:10 | Soft bedding, traction aids, comfort items, and vet testing. |
| 26:10 – 26:34 | Final thoughts and value of ongoing monitoring. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your senior pet.