As pets age, changes can happen quietly. Regular checkups — at least every six months — help catch issues early. Ask your vet about baseline bloodwork, dental exams, and mobility checks.
A good vet will also help you monitor pain, appetite, and behavior changes so you can adjust care before small issues become big ones.
Exercise is still important, but it needs to match their new pace. Short, consistent walks or gentle play sessions keep muscles strong and joints lubricated. For pets with arthritis, low-impact activities like swimming or slow scent walks can be amazing.
If they’re slowing down, it’s okay — movement should feel joyful, not forced.
Senior pets often benefit from diets lower in calories but rich in protein and joint-supportive nutrients. Omega-3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help maintain mobility and reduce inflammation.
Always make dietary changes gradually and consult your vet before adding supplements.
Small adjustments make a world of difference:
Warmth, softness, and easy access go a long way toward keeping them comfortable.
Senior pets still crave purpose and connection. Keep their minds active with puzzle toys, sniffing games, or gentle training refreshers. Talk to them often — they may not hear every word, but they’ll feel your love in your tone and touch.
And most of all, be patient. Senior pets have earned the right to move slower, nap longer, and be loved even more fiercely.
You know your pet best. Make a quick daily note of appetite, energy, bathroom habits, and mood. This helps spot patterns — and gives your vet a clearer picture during checkups.
Kindred Paws will soon offer a Quality of Life Chart you can print and use to gently monitor your pet’s comfort over time. It’s not about judgment — just awareness, love, and kindness in every day you share.
Aging is not an ending — it’s a tender, beautiful phase of your shared story. With mindful care and soft adjustments, you can help your senior pet thrive, not just survive.
Get the Kindred Paws Quality of Life Reflection Chart — a gentle daily guide for your senior or hospice pet.
Connect with others who understand. Share stories, find comfort, and know you’re not alone.
