Understanding Senior Pet Care: What Aging Pets Need Most

As pets enter their senior stage, typically around age seven for dogs and cats, their bodies begin to change in ways that are not always obvious. Metabolism slows, joints become less flexible, and cognitive and sensory functions may start to decline. Because these shifts can be gradual, it is important for pet owners to recognize early signs such as stiffness, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, reduced activity, or altered behaviour. Understanding these age-related changes is the first step in providing proper senior care.

A wide range of products now exists to help support senior pets through these transitions. Many of these will be showcased by exhibitors at Connect...Canada's Pet Trade Expo on March 4 and 5, 2026. Senior-focused diets provide balanced nutrition with controlled calories, enhanced digestibility, and added ingredients like omega-3s and antioxidants. Mobility supplements can ease joint discomfort and support cartilage health. Digestive aids, immune boosters, dental products, and comfort accessories also play an important role in maintaining overall well-being. These tools give pet owners practical ways to support the daily needs of aging animals.

Veterinary care remains essential throughout a pet’s senior years. Regular checkups, ideally every six months, allow veterinarians to detect issues early, whether arthritis, dental disease, thyroid imbalances, or kidney changes. Early intervention not only improves quality of life but can also extend lifespan. When pet owners combine consistent veterinary guidance with the right senior-supportive products and attentive daily care, they create the best possible foundation for helping their pets age comfortably and thrive.