As your pet grows older, they will likely slow down, becoming less active. While this is a natural part of the aging process, understanding the reasons behind this change can help you provide better care and support for your older pet. Our Wolf Creek Veterinary Hospital team explores the common reasons why your older pet might be slowing down and how you can help them stay comfortable and happy in their golden years.

1: Arthritis and joint pain in older pets

A common reason older pets slow down is arthritis, as their joints can become stiff and painful with age. Arthritis signs include limping, reluctance to jump or use stairs, and decreased physical activity. If your older pet is experiencing arthritis pain, you can help by:

  • Scheduling veterinary care — Discuss pain management options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, or alternative therapies, with our Wolf Creek Veterinary Hospital veterinarian. 
  • Providing comfortable bedding — Provide a firm, supportive bed to help ease your pet’s joint pain. 
  • Exercising daily — Engage in low-impact activities, such as gentle walks or swimming, to maintain mobility without overstraining your pet’s joints. 
  • Managing weight — Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can significantly reduce joint stress. 

2: Decreased muscle mass in older pets

As pets age, they naturally lose muscle mass, which contributes to declining physical abilities. This muscle loss—sarcopenia—can make performing everyday activities, such as jumping on the couch or using stairs, difficult, leading to a slower pace. Preserve your pet’s muscle mass by:

  • Feeding a balanced diet — Feed your pet a balanced diet that provides adequate protein and essential amino acids to support muscle maintenance. 
  • Exercising regularly — Continue with regular, appropriate exercise to help maintain your pet’s muscle mass and overall health. 
  • Attending physical rehabilitation — Rehabilitation exercises tailored for aging pets can strengthen muscles and improve mobility.

3: Obesity in older pets

Obesity is a significant health issue that can exacerbate other age-related problems such as arthritis and heart disease. Overweight pets are more likely to experience decreased mobility and energy levels, and their lifespan can be shortened because of related health complications.

In addition to feeding your furry pal a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise with them, you can help your pet maintain an ideal body condition by controlling meal portion sizes and offering low-calorie treats. Calculate the number of daily calories your pet needs, then measure their meals and portion out treats to stick to their recommended daily caloric intake. 

4: Cognitive dysfunction in older pets

Cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in people, can affect older pets, leading to changes in behavior and activity levels. Signs may include disorientation, anxiety, confusion, sleep pattern changes, and reduced interest in interaction. As your pet ages, support their cognitive health by:

  • Providing mental stimulation — Keep your pet’s mind active with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play. 
  • Sticking to a routine — Maintain a consistent daily routine to help reduce confusion and anxiety. 
  • Consulting our veterinarian — Ask about appropriate treatments and management strategies, including medications, supplements, and diets, that can help manage your pet’s cognitive dysfunction signs and slow the condition’s progression.

5: Chronic diseases in older pets

Chronic conditions, such as heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, can significantly impact your pet’s energy levels and overall health. These conditions often require ongoing management and treatment, including regular monitoring and adjustments in care. Help your aging pet maintain their health and quality of life by:

  • Monitoring their condition — Keep up with regular veterinary visits to monitor and manage chronic conditions. Blood work, urine tests, and other diagnostics can track disease progression and treatment efficacy.
  • Administering medication — Administer prescribed medications diligently and inform our team of any adverse effects or changing health status.
  • Feeding a special diet — Follow dietary recommendations that support your pet’s specific health needs. For example, pets with kidney disease may require diets low in phosphorus, while diabetic pets may need high-fiber diets.

6: Sensory decline in older pets

As pets age, their vision and hearing may decline. This sensory loss can increase their anxiety and reluctance to move around, contributing to a slower pace. Pets may become more cautious and less confident in unfamiliar environments. Aid your pet as their vision and hearing decline by:

  • Creating a safe environment — Create a safe, familiar environment that is easy for your pet to navigate. Avoid rearranging furniture and keep pathways clear of obstacles.
  • Communicating effectively — Use visual and tactile cues to communicate with pets who have hearing and vision loss. Hand signals, vibrations, scent pads, and lights can be effective.

By understanding why your older pet is slowing down, you can ensure they receive the best care and support during their senior years. Aging is a natural part of life, and with the right care, your pet can enjoy their golden years comfortably and happily. Ask our Wolf Creek Veterinary Hospital team for help keeping your four-legged friend young at heart and in body.