Senior pet care
Not a single vet visit, but adapting daily life to age-related changes: mobility, diet, home comfort, and more frequent check-ups. Every decision here is one to make with your vet.

[ ] 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.
[ ] Discuss baseline bloodwork for a senior pet
    Regular bloodwork helps catch changes early — the frequency and panel are the vet's call.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Add a dental check to the regular check-up
    Dental issues are common in older pets and noticeably affect appetite and overall well-being.
[ ] Get an orthopedic bed
    A regular bed offers far less support for joints that already ache — the difference shows up fast.
[ ] Raise food and water bowls off the floor
    Eases strain on the neck and back while eating — especially noticeable for larger dog breeds.
[ ] Adjust walks to the new pace
    More frequent and shorter instead of one long walk — activity still matters, just at a joint-friendly volume.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Organize storage and dosing for prescribed medication
    A pill organizer or phone reminders — with several medications, mix-ups happen faster than expected.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/senior-pet-care