Senior Pet Care Survey Results are In

Media Release, 5th May 2022

Early intervention and preventative care can help mitigate ill health in senior pets

• 36% of senior dogs suffer from Joint Problems
• 25% of senior cats suffer from Joint Problems
• Up to 20% of cats and dogs suffer from excessive weight
• 38% of respondents have not reviewed their pet’s diet in the last 12 months

The pet care specialists at Petmania are focusing on Senior Pet Care throughout May, recognising the special role that they play in our lives and today have released a survey on Senior Pet Care.

“Most people don’t realise that dogs are considered ‘senior’ from age seven but as young as six depending on the breed. For cats, they will reach a mature adult stage at seven years and senior status on their 10th birthday.” Emily Miller of Petmania told us.

According to a survey conducted by Petmania, 58 per cent of respondents have senior dogs and 61 per cent have senior cats. 11 per cent had dogs over 14 years, whilst 48 per cent had cats aged 14 years or older. Cats can live up to 20 years of age.

The survey also revealed that 19 per cent of senior pet owners noted a change in weight in their pet but 38 per cent have not reviewed their pet’s diet in the last 12 months and 41 per cent have never checked their pet’s Body Condition Score (BSC). 

The Irish-owned pet store wants to remind pet parents that when their furry friends reach milestones, it is essential to review their diet and lifestyle to ensure they are living their best life! Some common problems that are associated with ageing can be avoided with the correct care and preventative measures.

Paula Dowling of Petmania and human companion to the Petmania HQ office dog, 15-year-old Buzz. She explains. 

“As pets get older, their owners will notice some changes to their health. As their metabolism slows, they will become less energetic and prone to weight gain and age-related illness and it is not unusual for them to develop vision, hearing loss, and maybe even some cognitive dysfunction. But with proper care, they can continue to enjoy a full life and be by their owners’ side for years to come.

We advise regular diet and nutrition reviews for older pets and regular trips to the vet. Pet parents may also consider treatments such as a muscle and joint therapy bath to soothe older dogs, other aids to make life more comfortable for your ageing pet are also available.”

Results from Petmania’s Survey confirm it: 

• 36% of senior dogs suffer from Arthritis / Joint Problems
• 18% of senior dogs suffer from excessive weight
• 15% of senior dogs have hearing or vision loss
• 25% of senior cats suffer from Arthritis / Joint Problems
• 20% of senior cats suffer from excessive weight
• 12% of senior cats have hearing or vision loss

Care for older pets

When pets enter a senior life stage, they may require dietary supplements for healthier joints, skin, fur, and gut health. A trip to the family vet is the best way to determine this. Many pet nutrition brands are specially formulated for older pets to include Omega 3 fatty acids to help support joint mobility and antioxidants to help support a healthy immune system.

Paula shared, 

“As Buzz has aged, he has slowed down and he puts on weight a bit more easily. As a Labrador, he marches on his stomach, so I need to watch his weight and his treats! I started adding a joint-care supplement to his diet five or six years ago when he moved into the senior life stage. We still take walks together twice a day, but they are slower and shorter. Having said that, there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet!”

Petmania Grooming studios specialise in a gentle, rhythmic canine massage infused with peppermint and menthol, which soothes aching joints and muscles, increasing blood flow and flushing toxins from the body. Perfect for older dogs and those with mobility issues.

Other things pet parents can do to make their senior pet more comfortable is to consider a memory foam or thermal bed to ensure a restful night’s sleep and to use raised bowls for feeding. Stay on top of flea and parasite treatments and brush their teeth regularly with pet toothpaste.

Petmania’s Pet Care Advice Centre is a free resource for pet owners to help navigate pets’ life stage milestones. Its panel of experts, including vets Dr Carol Doyle and Dr Bobby Ortiz, and pet specialists like agility trainer Dawn Greer and Galway Cat Rescue owner Olivia O’Reilly, share their expertise, tips, and advice on common pet issues.

For answers to common pet care problems visit: www.petmania.ie/

ENDS