Pets rarely complain out loud. The AVMA says a change in activity can be a warning sign1, and AAHA's pain guidelines note that in cats, joint discomfort shows up mostly as changes in behavior that owners are best placed to spot2. Use this sheet once a month and bring it to your next visit.
When is my pet a senior?
- Cats: generally after about 10 years1
- Small dogs (under 20 lb): 8 to 11 years1
- Medium dogs (20 to 50 lb): 8 to 10 years1
- Large dogs (50 to 90 lb): 8 to 9 years1
- Giant dogs (over 90 lb): 6 to 7 years1
- Senior pets need a vet visit twice a year or more1
Signs to watch (check any you have seen this month)
- Avoids running, jumping (onto the couch or a windowsill, say), stairs or getting into the car1
- Favors a leg1
- Walks stiffly1
- Has trouble sitting down or standing up1
- Sleeps more1
- Pulls away from being touched or petted1
- Plays less1
- Shows unusual aggression toward people or other pets1
- Date checked: ________________
These changes can have other causes too. The AVMA says all of them are good reasons to have your vet take a look1.
Make home easier
- Nonslip mats or rugs on slick floors1
- Pet stairs or a ramp for the couch, bed or car1
- A thick, supportive bed1
- Raised food and water bowls1
- A sleeping spot that does not need stairs1
- Regular exercise of the kind your vet suggests1
- If eyesight is fading, keep furniture where it is1
Watch the scale
The AVMA says weight gain in senior dogs raises the risk of health problems, while in senior cats weight loss is the bigger concern. Sudden weight loss in an older pet often means something is wrong, especially in cats, so call your vet if you see it1.
Do not reach for your own pain reliever
When a pet limps or seems sore, it is tempting to share a pain reliever made for people. The FDA says to stop and call your vet first. Acetaminophen is fatal to cats3.
Bring to your next visit
- A short phone video of your pet walking, getting up and using stairs. AAHA's pain guidelines note that video helps document these behavior changes2.
- This checklist, with the dates you filled it in
- A list of everything your pet eats or takes, including treats, chews and supplements
Questions to ask your vet
- Is my pet at a healthy weight? What should I aim for?
- Which of the signs I checked concern you, and what could be causing them?
- What kind of exercise, and how much, is right for my pet now?
- How often should we come in from now on?
- If I am thinking about a joint supplement, is it safe with everything else my pet takes? (A label that says a product supports joints is the manufacturer's claim. Your vet can tell you whether it fits your pet.)
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Senior Pets (client brochure, 2023). https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/ProductDownloads/mcm-client-brochures-senior-pets-2023.pdf
- Gruen ME, Lascelles BDX, Colleran E, et al. 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2022;58(2):55-76. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7292
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine. Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets