Senior pet care

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Switch to more frequent vet check-ups

   Many clinics recommend every six months instead of annually for senior pets — check the recommended cadence with your vet.

2. Discuss baseline bloodwork for a senior pet

   Regular bloodwork helps catch changes early — the frequency and panel are the vet's call.

3. Watch mobility and log any changes

   Struggling to jump on the couch, hesitating on stairs — small details easier to catch when logged rather than relied on memory.

4. Add non-slip rugs on slippery floors

   Laminate and tile get harder to navigate for aging joints — a simple fix that cuts fall and injury risk.

5. Add a ramp or steps to favorite spots

   To the couch, bed, or car — takes the strain off joints without cutting the pet off from familiar spots.

6. Discuss diet adjustments with the vet

   Calorie and nutrient needs shift with age — the specific food and portions are the vet's call, not a neighbor's recommendation.

7. Weigh the pet regularly

   Both sudden weight loss and sudden gain in a senior pet warrant an unscheduled vet visit, not a DIY diet change.

8. Add a dental check to the regular check-up

   Dental issues are common in older pets and noticeably affect appetite and overall well-being.

9. Get an orthopedic bed

   A regular bed offers far less support for joints that already ache — the difference shows up fast.

10. Raise food and water bowls off the floor

    Eases strain on the neck and back while eating — especially noticeable for larger dog breeds.

11. Adjust walks to the new pace

    More frequent and shorter instead of one long walk — activity still matters, just at a joint-friendly volume.

12. Account for sensitivity to heat and cold

    Older pets regulate body temperature less efficiently — a warm bed in winter and shade and water in summer matter more.

13. Notice and discuss behavior changes

    Confusion, a changed sleep pattern, forgetting familiar routes — mention it to the vet, it's part of the health picture too.

14. Organize storage and dosing for prescribed medication

    A pill organizer or phone reminders — with several medications, mix-ups happen faster than expected.

15. Save the nearest 24-hour emergency vet contact

    A senior pet's condition can deteriorate faster — the contact should be saved in advance, not searched for in a panic.

16. Discuss quality-of-life markers with the vet in advance

    A hard conversation is easier to have calmly in advance than to face for the first time in a crisis.