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A senior pet checklist for any species

By PAWER ·

Different species have different needs, but the basics of caring for an older pet overlap a lot. This checklist works for most animals, from cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and horses. Use it as a prompt for a conversation with your vet, not as a way to diagnose anything.

1. Know the age range

“Senior” starts at different times. Often it is around seven for many dogs, ten or eleven for cats, five to six for rabbits, four to five for guinea pigs, and fifteen to twenty for horses. Large dogs are commonly considered senior sooner than small ones. Ask your vet when your animal is likely to count as older.

2. Weigh regularly

Weight is one of the most useful things you can track.

Both loss and gain can be worth checking.

3. Check the mouth

Dental problems are common in older animals. Look for:

For rabbits, guinea pigs and horses, whose teeth keep growing or erupting, regular dental checks are especially important.

4. Watch movement

Notice how your pet gets up, climbs, jumps and walks. Signs worth mentioning to your vet include:

A short phone video of your pet moving is helpful, since many animals look fine in a clinic.

5. Track appetite and thirst

Note how much your pet eats and drinks. Increased thirst, reduced appetite and picky eating are all reasons to call your vet. For small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, not eating at all is an emergency.

6. Watch toilet habits

Changes in urine or droppings can signal many things. Keep an eye on:

7. Look at skin, coat and lumps

Run your hands over your pet once a week. Note any new lumps, sore spots, dandruff or hair loss. Take a photo and, if possible, measure a lump. Have a vet look at it. Do not wait to see whether it grows.

8. Adjust the home

9. Keep the mind busy

Older pets still need stimulation. Use gentle play, sniffing walks, puzzle feeders, tunnels or time outside, depending on the species. Short and often works better than long and tiring.

10. Keep up routine care

11. Schedule check-ups

Many vets suggest older animals are seen about twice a year. A visit can include a weight check, mouth and joint exam, and possibly blood or urine tests. Bring your notes.

12. Know the red flags

Call a vet promptly if your pet:

13. Ask before you add anything

It is natural to want to do more for an older pet. Before you add any supplement, food or product, ask your vet, especially if your animal takes medicine, has a condition or you are unsure. Remember that products made for one species are not always suitable for another. A compound that suits a dog may not be suitable for a cat, rabbit or horse.

14. Keep a simple notebook

Record weight, appetite, behaviour changes, vet advice and questions. It takes minutes each week and makes vet visits more productive.

15. Plan for comfort

Talk to your vet about what comfort looks like for your pet as they age. This includes pain control, quality of life and, when the time comes, making decisions with care. A good vet can guide you.

A short summary

Weigh, look, listen and note. Adjust the home, keep the mind busy and see the vet regularly. Most senior care is attentive observation and small changes made early.

What to do next

PAWER is for dogs today. It is not for every species, and we do not suggest giving it to them. Some compounds that suit dogs are not suitable for other species, so ask your vet before you add anything to their routine.

General information for pet owners. Not veterinary advice.