By Kyle Marie McMahon
In the busy family households of Western Wake, our dogs often serve as our tireless, four-legged coparents. But as they age, those high-energy kids can clash with a beloved pet’s dropping energy levels and subtle aches.
To ensure a smooth, comfortable life for your geriatric companion, we consulted Dr. Chris York of Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital. Dr. York helps us move past the idea that “slowing down” is just normal and instead focuses on actionable advice for managing family dynamics and implementing simple home hacks—from better bedding to strategic rug placement—that truly improve an aging pet’s quality of life.
Many families are surprised to learn their active dog is technically a “senior.” At what age should we actually start changing our care routine, and does it vary by breed?
There is no specific age where care routines need to change. Changes are made based on an individual’s needs. Acquired diseases can happen at any time. For instance, many dogs develop arthritis by 5–7 years of age, whereas others are fine until they are 12–13 years old.
With aging pets, cancer becomes a risk. Beyond obvious lumps, what are the subtle, silent signs of illness or pain that owners often mistake for “just getting old”?
Red flags can be changes in appetite, less interest in typically well-liked activities, being less social, changes in sleep patterns, or rapid changes in body condition (weight).
Many of our readers have young families. Do you have advice for managing interactions between high-energy kids and aging pets who might have less patience or mobility than they used to?
The humans need to recognize if, in trying to keep up with young children, their older dog tires easily and/or seems painful/limps after playing. Basically, we just need to “listen” to our geriatric pets and not force them to act young again.
What are simple nonmedical changes we can make around the house (e.g., raised bowls, different bedding, rug placement) to make life easier for a senior pet?
Many things that need to be considered have to do with an older dog’s mobility—fewer stairs/steps to navigate, quality bedding (orthopedic beds), maintaining a healthy weight, and rug placement if floors seem to become slippery.
With colder weather approaching, is there one specific thing we should do differently for our older pets to keep their joints (and spirits) comfortable?
If a pet lives outdoors, they need a well-cushioned bed under some type of shelter. An indoor pet is less likely to be affected by changes in weather.
The key to successful senior pet care, Dr. York reminds us, lies in adjusting the human environment. Whether it’s recognizing that high-energy kids need limits on playtime or ensuring your home has nonslip rugs, our primary job is to reduce discomfort and prevent accidental injury. By committing to these small “home hacks,” providing shelter for any outdoor pets, and prioritizing year-round wellness, we ensure that our senior pets receive the respect and comfort they deserve as cherished members of our busy 5 West families.
