How to Determine When Your Pet Enters Old Age? This Article Provides T

Have you noticed that your pets, who have grown up with you, have aged so quickly? As they age, their appearance may not change dramatically, but their bodies can undergo many changes.

Has your pet's appetite started to decline, with them skipping bites after a few bites? Do you feel your pet's hind legs becoming weaker, making it harder to climb familiar areas?

Below, Pettington will discuss with you when your pet is considered to be in senior age, as well as the precautions for caring for senior pets.

How to determine when your pet enters old age?

The American Animal Hospital Association defines the last 25% of life as senior age. Generally speaking, cats begin to enter early senior age at around 8 years old and are considered mature at 12 years old. For dogs, the situation varies depending on their size:

Small dogs: 12 years and above are considered senior dogs
Medium-sized dogs: 10 years and above are considered senior dogs
Large dogs: 8 years and above are considered senior dogs

The above age standards are not absolute, because each pet's health status and living environment may affect the aging rate.

What are the signs that your pet is entering old age?

Here are some signs that can help owners identify when their pet is entering old age:

Weight changes: Weight changes in older pets can be a sign of health problems. If the weight loss exceeds 10% in a short period of time, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Loss of muscle mass: As your pet ages, they tend to lose muscle mass. This can be assessed by palpating the muscles on either side of the spine.
Decreased activity: Older pets may show less interest in activities and may even be too lazy to go for walks or play.
Sensory impairment: Vision and hearing may decrease, which can affect your pet's ability to interact with its surroundings.
Appetite changes: Older pets may experience a loss of appetite or changes in food preferences.
Problems with urination and bowel movements: Frequent urination, constipation, or difficulty urinating may be a sign of underlying health problems.
Changes in sleep patterns: If your pet is sleepy throughout the day or more active at night, this could be a sign of cognitive impairment.

How to care for senior cats and dogs?

As pets enter old age, Pettington recommends that owners maintain their pets' usual pace of life, within their physical tolerance, and take appropriate measures:

Change your mindset: Establish the concept of regular health checkups to detect health problems early. It is recommended to take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup every six months.
Regular exercise: Although activity levels may decrease, moderate exercise is still important and can be promoted through light play.
Dietary adjustments: Choose food designed specifically for older pets. This type of food usually contains easily digestible protein and necessary nutrients.

Care focus:

Owners should develop the concept of regular health checks and realize that they should not wait until the cats and dogs become sick to check them. Instead, regular checks can reduce the frequency of their cats and dogs getting sick.

Royal Canin Mature Consult Nutritional Health Formula for Senior Cats and Dogs

Elderly cats and dogs have diminished appetites and digestive abilities, so owners need to prepare easily digestible and nutritious foods. Royal Canin's Mature Consult line is specifically designed for senior cats and dogs, featuring high-fiber, satiating formulas that can help achieve weight management.

Adjust recipes and calorie levels to help cats and dogs maintain their ideal weight.
A variety of nutrients meet the nutritional needs of senior cats and dogs, and the phosphorus content is low.
Rich in antioxidants, it helps neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Formulated to promote kidney and brain health.

>> View all Royal Canin nutritional formulas for senior dogs and cats