As our pets age, their needs begin to shift, sometimes subtly, sometimes more noticeably. Just like us, they may slow down, sleep more or become prone to health issues that weren’t a concern in their younger years. The good news? Many age-related conditions can be managed effectively when caught early.
In this blog, we highlight some of the most common health issues affecting senior dogs and cats and discuss how our Golden Oldies Clinic, running throughout September, can support you in keeping their health on track.
Cognitive decline
As pets get older, you might notice them seeming confused or disoriented, forgetting routines or not responding to things as they used to. Dogs may start pacing, staring into space or getting ‘stuck’ in corners, while cats might meow more at night or become more withdrawn. These can be signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, a condition similar to dementia in humans, and surprisingly common in older pets.
While there’s no cure, there’s lots you can do to help. Sticking to a consistent routine, using puzzle feeders and keeping changes around the home to a minimum can all make life easier. There are also supplements and medications that can support brain health and help slow things down, which our vets can advise you on.
Mobility issues
If your pet is slowing down on walks, reluctant to climb stairs, stiff after resting or struggling to jump up onto the sofa, they could be showing signs of arthritis or joint problems. You might also notice them licking or chewing at sore joints or becoming a bit grumpy when touched.
It’s easy to put these changes down to ‘just getting older’, but they could be in pain, and the good news is, there’s lots we can do to help. From joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medication to weight management and physiotherapy, early treatment can make a real difference to their comfort and quality of life.
Dental disease
Dental disease is very common in pets, affecting up to 80% over the age of three, and it’s even more likely as they get older. Bad breath is often the first sign, but you might also notice your pet struggling to chew, drooling, pawing at their mouth, bleeding gums or loose teeth. Some pets may go off their food or start preferring softer meals.
If left untreated, dental problems can cause ongoing pain and even lead to infections that affect organs like the heart and kidneys. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning under anaesthetic can help keep their mouth healthy and avoid more serious issues down the line.
Lumps and bumps
It’s not unusual for older pets to develop lumps and bumps on or under their skin. These can be harmless (like fatty lumps) or something more serious, such as tumours. It’s important to keep an eye out for any new lumps or changes in existing ones, especially if they grow quickly, change shape or colour, become sore or start to bleed.
While many lumps turn out to be nothing to worry about, it’s always best to get them checked by a vet. Sometimes we’ll recommend a simple test, like a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, to find out exactly what the lump is and whether it needs treatment.
Cardiac issues
Heart disease in pets often develops silently. Signs to watch for include a persistent cough (especially at night), fatigue, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance or collapse. You may also notice a swollen abdomen due to fluid build-up (ascites), particularly in dogs.
Simple checks like monitoring your pet’s blood pressure and listening to their heart can help spot early signs of heart disease. In some cases, a heart scan may be recommended for a closer look. Catching heart problems early means treatment and lifestyle changes can be put in place to help your pet stay comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life.
Kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is especially common in older cats and also affects dogs. Signs can include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, bad breath with a chemical smell and a dull, unkempt coat.
Kidneys often lose function gradually, so by the time symptoms appear, significant damage may already be present. Routine urine and blood tests can catch it earlier, allowing for dietary adjustments, medication and supportive care to help slow progression.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition we often see in older pets, especially overweight cats and certain dog breeds like Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers and Poodles. Common signs include drinking more water than usual, needing to wee more often, sudden weight loss despite a healthy appetite, tiredness and sometimes accidents in the house.
In more advanced cases, you might notice cloudy eyes (in dogs), vomiting or even collapse. The earlier it’s picked up, the better – with the right care, including insulin, a special diet and regular monitoring, most pets with diabetes can live happy, comfortable lives.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats, caused by an overactive thyroid gland. You might notice signs like weight loss (despite a big appetite), restlessness, more meowing than usual, vomiting, diarrhoea or a coat that looks a bit scruffy.
The good news is it’s easy to diagnose with a simple blood test – and there are several effective treatment options, including medication, special diets, surgery or even radioactive iodine therapy, depending on what suits your cat best.
Vision changes
Just like us, pets can experience age-related changes to their eyesight. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and retinal degeneration become more common as they get older. You might notice their eyes looking cloudy, hesitation to go out in the dark, bumping into furniture or seeming startled when approached.
Some eye issues, like cataracts, can be treated with surgery, while others can be managed with small changes at home, such as keeping furniture in the same place and using scent cues to help your pet feel more confident moving around.
Give your senior pet the care they deserve
It’s easy to overlook the subtle signs of ageing in our pets, especially when changes happen gradually. That’s why regular senior check-ups are so important.
To help you stay one step ahead, we’re running our Golden Oldies Clinic throughout September: a comprehensive, nurse-led check-up designed for pets aged 7 and over. For just £30 (normally £75), your pet will receive:
- A nose-to-tail wellness check
- Blood pressure measurement
- Urine screening
It’s also a great opportunity to chat with our experienced veterinary nurses about your pet’s daily routine, habits and diet, where any concerns you may have can be addressed.
Whether your pet is already showing signs of ageing or you’d simply like peace of mind, this is a fantastic opportunity to catch any issues early and keep them feeling their best.
Give your golden oldie the care they deserve, and the best chance of staying happy and healthy for years to come. Book your appointment today at your local St Kitts practice:
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
