What this guide can help with
Ageing is not a diagnosis. Senior pets benefit from plans tailored to species, breed, size, medical history, medications and the changes observed at home.
Every pet is different. A veterinary examination remains the best way to understand symptoms and decide whether waiting is appropriate.
Key points
- Weight loss, increased thirst, reduced mobility, altered sleep and behaviour change deserve discussion.
- Comparing examination findings and test results over time can reveal meaningful trends.
- Senior pets may need more frequent review than healthy young adults.
- Quality of life includes comfort, appetite, mobility, toileting, interaction and enjoyment.
Helpful things to do at home
- Track weight, appetite, thirst, toileting and mobility.
- Use non-slip surfaces and easy access to resting and toileting areas.
- Bring videos of coughing, confusion or movement changes.
- Review medication administration and caregiver burden honestly with the team.
When to book an appointment
- Unplanned weight change
- Increased thirst or urination
- New lumps, coughing, bad breath, confusion or reduced mobility
Seek urgent veterinary advice for
- Collapse, breathing difficulty or severe weakness
- Inability to urinate
- Repeated vomiting, seizures or uncontrolled pain
References
This guide is general information only. Your veterinarian will tailor advice to your pet after an examination.