Senior Pet Care

You might notice signs of aging in your pet, both physical and mental. As pets age, they require much more attention and special care. Scheduling regular veterinary exams will help ensure your pet lives a long, comfortable life. If you have any questions about senior care, please call us at 416-537-9677.

When are pets considered senior?

Senior status varies depending on your pet's breed and size. Small dogs have a longer life span than bigger dogs, whereas cats generally live longer than dogs. Small dogs are considered seniors at around 10-11 years; larger dogs are seniors at 7 and cats at 10. However, with proper care and proactive treatments, your pet can live well past the age of 10.

What problems are more common in senior pets?

An older pet is more likely to develop certain diseases, including heart, kidney and liver disease, cancer, or arthritis. In addition, some may experience compromised eyesight, hearing, and energy levels. Despite all that, being patient with your senior pet is important!

How can I help my aging pet?

The most important thing you can do is bring your pet in for routine checkups to determine potential medical issues and create an appropriate treatment plan before the problem advances. For senior pets, we recommend having them checked biannually. We can also assist you with decisions going forward to ensure your pet is living a healthy life, such as changes in diet and exercise or making environmental changes to make it more comfortable for your pet to move around.