Senior companion animals have specific welfare needs as they age. Understanding signs of ageing, cognitive decline, and how to maintain quality of life extends healthy years.
Senior companion animals require increased veterinary attention and environmental adaptation to maintain quality of life. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome — analogous to dementia in humans — causes disorientation, changed sleep patterns, altered social interactions, and house soiling that owners frequently misattribute to stubbornness or spite. Pain from osteoarthritis is extremely common in older dogs and cats and profoundly affects welfare, but animals often mask pain until it is severe. Environmental modifications including ramps for arthritic joints, raised food bowls, heated beds, and litter boxes with lower sides maintain independence and comfort. Biannual veterinary visits in senior animals enable proactive management of the multiple concurrent health issues common in this life stage.