November 10, 2025

Adopt a Senior Pet Month & Senior Pet Health Month Meet in November

Why would you adopt a senior pet?

Senior pets often have more established temperaments, are already house-trained, mellowed energy, and have endless love and loyalty.

Considerations When Adopting a Senior Pet

• Increased veterinary care
• Diet and nutrition changes
• Maintaining mobility
• Possible medications for chronic conditions
• Mental health monitoring
• Increased risk of age-related diseases

Let’s Also Remember National Pet Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder in pets, affecting an estimated 1 in 200 cats and 1 in 300 dogs.

Early detection and proper management can significantly improve the quality of life for pets with diabetes.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Excessive appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy or weakness
• Poor coat quality

November 3, 2025

What to Know About Your Pet’s Health as They Age

National Senior Pet month is a good time to think about preparing for your pet’s golden years. Just like with humans, aging pets are slowing down– but they also may have more wisdom and become more laid-back!

There’s so much to love about senior pets. Take a look at our “Top 10 Reasons We Love Senior Pets.” We also need to show these furry friends a bit more love and care.

When is My Pet Considered Senior?

“Seniority” differs between species, size and breed. Let’s explore AVMA’s guidelines on pet aging for cats and dogs.

When Does My Cat Become a Senior?

Definitions of aging for domestic cats is fairly simple. Most cats are considered to be senior at 10+ years. Here’s a chart showing all life stages for cats.

When Does My Dog Become a Senior?

To know when your dog is considered a senior, we take into account their size and weight. Smaller dogs typically become senior later than larger dogs. Here are general guidelines.

For more specific information about a given dog breed, visit the AKC’s helpful article, “How long do dogs live?”

How Will My Senior Pet’s Behavior Change?

Our pets are individuals, so their aging experience will be all there own. Here are some behavior changes you may see as your cat or dog ages:

• Needing less exercise in shorter intervals
• More appreciation for quiet, quality time with you
• Sleeping more
• Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs like they used to
• Possibly getting colder more easily
• Less “mischievous” behavior, like chewing unwanted items
• Less sensitive hearing
• Less acute vision
• Less ability to smell
• Possibly needing more frequent potty breaks

How Do I Care for My Senior Pet?

On average, senior pets have more health care needs than younger pets. Here’s what we recommend for giving your pet their happiest life:

• Schedule Preventive Care appointments with your veterinarian twice each year. See this resource for more information: “Preventive Care is the Most Important Step for Your Pet’s Health.”
• Preventive care includes standard blood work that can catch health issues earlier.
• Switch to senior pet food for tailored nutrition for your cat or dog.
• Provide easy-to-find fresh water at all times.
• If your dog is larger, use an elevated feeding station.
• Brush teeth daily.  Dental health is critical for overall health.
• Help your pet stay comfortable with easily-accessible beds where they spend their time.
• Know the signs of pain to see if your pet would benefit from pain relief.
• Continue to shower your pet with love, and spend time making them feel special!

Do you have questions about your pet’s aging process? Contact us. Also, check out our Senior Pet Resources for more tips and education.

October 2, 2025

Start Today to Improve Your Cat or Dog’s Healthy Outlook

Regular preventive care visits for your pet is essential for their wellness and overall health. Here are the top three reasons:

1. Preventive care catches health issues earlier and helps prevent them from becoming more problematic.
2. Preventive care gives your pet the vaccines and medicines they need to prevent serious health conditions.
3. Preventive care gives you the space to ask questions about your pet’s health, development and behavior and prevents unnecessary worry or anxiety.

Your pet needs different preventive care at different stages. Let’s explore wellness for puppies/kittens, adults and seniors.

A Healthy Start to a Long Life: Preventive Care for Puppies & Kittens

Give your kitten or puppy their best start in life with early wellness care. Young pets benefit from:

• Prevention of diseases like parvovirus or distemper for dogs
• Testing for infectious diseases like FeLV and FIV for cats
• Parasite testing and/or prevention, from heartworms to roundworms
• Starting the vaccine schedule, like rabies, which is required by law
• Microchipping to help find your pet if they become lost
• Guidance on nutrition, training, socialization and exercise for puppies and kittens
• Instruction on brushing your pet’s teeth
• Acclimating your puppy or kitten to the veterinarian’s office

Protection & Prevention for Active Years: Preventive Care for Adult Pets

Your adult dog or cat also needs preventive care. These are some of the important things we cover during each visit:

• Physical examination of your pet’s body
• Simple blood tests that can catch common diseases before they show symptoms
• Examination for and treatment of parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites or internal parasites
• Examination of dental health, which affects overall health
• Continuation of needed vaccines, based on the latest guidelines, your pet’s lifestyle, and changing technologies
• Conversation around any concerns you have regarding nutrition, behavior changes and more
• Noting any changes from previous exams and documenting the state of your pet’s health for future exams

Promoting Health & Comfort in Later Years: Preventive Care for Senior Pets

As your pet ages into their senior years, it’s likely they will develop one or more common health conditions. Preventive care helps manage these years for maximum quality of life. Here’s what to expect:

• Visits may become more frequent
• Pain management might be of higher concern
• Preventing disease and preserving dental health are more important than ever
• Recommendations for changes to pet food and home environment

Has it been awhile since your pet has come in for a wellness visit? Now would be a great time to make an appointment for their continued health and happiness. Contact us today.

November 7, 2024

November is Senior Pet Health Month, Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month & National Pet Diabetes Month

In November, we count our blessings. Which is why we published our list of 10 Reasons to Love Senior Pets. We also know that senior pets benefit from a little more attention to their daily health.

“Age is not a barrier to a happy, healthy pet.”

Basic Considerations When Caring for Senior Pets

As your pet ages, you’ll want to learn more how to care for them in various ways, such as:

• Increased veterinary care
• Diet and nutrition
• Parasite control
• Vaccinations
• Maintaining mobility
• Mental health
• Environment
• Reproductive diseases

Your veterinarian can guide you on the steps to help your senior pet live their happiest, healthiest life. We recommend making an appointment to talk in person and make a plan.

National Pet Diabetes Month

It is estimated that one in 300 dogs and one in 230 cats in the US have diabetes. As your pet ages, you especially want to learn more about this disease. Here are the symptoms of diabetes in pets:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Cloudy eyes
• Altered appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Poor coat
• Vomiting

Previously, we shared more about “Living with Diabetes: Your Pet.” The good news? With proper attention and veterinary care, diabetic pets can enjoy quality lives.

So, if you’re considering adopting a pet, we encourage you to meet a few senior pets. And if you already have a senior pet, give them a hug from us!

October 29, 2024

November is National Senior Pet Month

Do you have the joy of a senior pet in your life? If you don’t yet, you will as your cat or dog ages. These golden years are often a beautiful time full of special moments.

Here are 10 reasons we love our senior pets.

1. Senior pets have time to cuddle (those younger pets don’t always have the patience!)
2. We have years of joy with our senior pets. Cats are considered senior around 10 years of age. Small dogs are also seniors around 10 years, while larger dogs are seniors around 8 years of age.
3. Senior pets have had years of life to learn how to show love and affection, i.e., socialization
4. Life is calmer with a senior pet, and they usually have outgrown mischievous behavior
5. These pets will take naps with you!
6. When we’ve shared our life with a pet for many years, we know each other so well. Your pet probably knows what you’re going to do or what you’re feeling better than you do
7. Your senior pet has also built up good habits specific to what you care about. For instance, my dog knows the difference between his toys and the kids’ toys
8. Senior pets are also wonderful to adopt and start a new relationship with. They are so grateful for the peace and love that come from finding their forever family
9. It’s easier to be present and treasure each moment you have with your pet, knowing they are in their sunset years
10. We can feel good about giving a senior pet their best life, helping them live happily and healthily. Wild animals don’t get to enjoy “retirement.”

You probably want to add to this list of “Why We Love Senior Pets!” Visit our Facebook page to share your stories and thoughts.

November 13, 2023

Senior Pets Would Be So Thankful to Find a Forever Home in November

We love senior pets! And we would love to introduce everyone to why they are such wonderful additions to many families. Also, we encourage you to visit Animal Adoption Foundation and Animal Friends Humane Society to meet the senior cats and dogs who are seeking forever homes.

Why Adopt a Senior Pet

Here are our top five reasons for adopting a senior pet.

1. Calm demeanor: The ups and downs of youth have mellowed out, and senior dogs and cats are more likely to approach life with more reflection
2. Physical demands are low: “Walkies” aren’t as long or as far, and exercise needs are much lower. But cuddle needs are higher, yay!
3. Already trained: Bringing home a litterbox or house-trained pet is a relief. Also, many of these pets have obedience, leash or other training, too
4. You know their size: An already-mature pet won’t outgrow their cages, beds or your backyard
5. What you see is what you get: Surprises can be fun, but when you’re blending a new pet into your family, it can be nice to know exactly what the pet is like when you meet them

3 Senior Dogs to Adopt from Animal Friends Humane Society

Get to know more about three of the senior dogs at Animal Friends Humane Society.

Gracie Lynn

“She’s around 45lbs, rides well in the car, and walks well on a leash. She’s a really nice balance of energy and chill, definitely more chill though. Still gets the zoomies occasionally, but slows down quicker than some other dogs.
She is treat motivated, eager to please, and knows sit. She is potty trained and has good house manners. She’s a great patio buddy!”

Learn more about Gracie Lynn…

Bullet

“Play ball with Bullet! This sweet senior says playing ball isn’t just a young pup’s game, in fact fetch in Bullet’s favorite thing in the world and he’d play all the time if he was allowed to! But Bullet has a lot of other favorites too! Like meeting new people (everyone is his friend), taking a leisurely walk, or going for a car ride!”

Learn more about Bullet…

Cheese

“She is quiet and has medium energy. She is housetrained and even knows to ring a bell on the door to ask out! She’s not a fan of the crate but will go in and stay when necessary. She’s a sweet girl, who just really wants to be a part of the family!”

Learn more about Cheese…

2 Senior Cats to Adopt from Animal Friends Humane Society

Bubbles

Bubbles is a grey/wheaten shorthair mix cat who is over six years old. He came to the shelter in October.

Learn more about Bubbles…

Topaz

Topaz is a male shorthair mix cat who came to the shelter in October. He’s over six and is white/wheaten.

Learn more about Topaz…

Check out our senior pet care article to learn more about these pets’ special needs. We wish you and your pets much happiness!

November 29, 2022

Adoptable Senior Cats & Dogs

Recently, we shared all the many reasons we are thankful for senior pets. If you’re ready to bring a senior pet home and into your heart, here are a few cats and dogs just waiting to meet you.

Animal Friends Humane Society is offering special adoption fees for senior pets, $25 for dogs and $5 for cats.

Senior Cats at Animal Friends Humane Society

Learn more about some of the senior (and nearly senior cats) at the shelter. Visit the shelter website to fill out an adoption application and get their operating hours.

Beth Dutton

This domestic medium hair female is almost 8 years old. She’s been at the shelter since November of this year.

Sassy

This 11-year-old girl also came to the shelter in November 2022. She’s a black-and-white domestic long-hair who was declawed sometime during her life.

Khloe

Another of our November arrivals, she’s 11 years old, and a beautiful grey shorthair.

Bandit

This male domestic shorthair is only 7 years old. He has beautiful markings and striking, tawny eyes.

Senior Dogs at Animal Friends Humane Society

There are plenty of great senior dogs at the shelter. Here are just a few. To fill out an adoption application and learn more, visit the shelter website.

Gargamel

He’s 10 years old, brown with white paws and is a smart cookie. He knows a lot of tricks and enjoys the company of other dogs (as long as they respect his age).

Horace

This black/brown retriever mix has been a shelter resident since September. He’s 9 years old and a very sweet boy.

Lexi Jo

She’s 10 years old and looking for a relaxing home for her golden years. A red retriever/labrador mix, she’s laid back and doesn’t cause any trouble.

Gator

She’s 15 and a Boston terrier mix who is ready to mingle! She loves being outdoors and enjoys short walks.

We hope you feel a connection with one of these senior pets! They appreciate love and a stable home more than the “young pups” and can’t wait for a cuddle.

November 8, 2022

National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Fortunately, cancer is not one of the Most Common Reasons Pets Visit the Vet. But still, an estimated 12 million US cats and dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year. Recent research on cancer in dogs has dramatically improved our understanding, which will help future prevention and treatment.

Nationwide Insurance conducted this research by analyzing its over 1.35 million pet insurance claims from 2021. In a focus on dogs, we learn:

• In seniors, diabetes and pancreatitis affect toy and small dogs at a significantly higher rate
• Toy and small dogs have a higher risk of heart disease across age groups
• Large and extra-large dogs are at a higher risk of developing cancer

Cancer in Dogs:
The Risk to Large Purebred Dogs

The dogs most at risk of developing cancer are large and extra-large purebred dogs. A large purebred dog has twice as much risk as a large mixed-breed dog.

Cancer in Dogs:
The Risk to Large Mixed-Breed Dogs

Last year, we reported on preliminary research findings: “New Research Sheds Light on Cancer in Pets.” It’s true that overall, cancer treatment claims for mixed breed dogs are 48% less likely. Which is great news for our beloved mutts.

However, larger mixed-breed dogs are at a higher risk compared to toy or small mutts. Regardless of your dog’s genetic makeup, a larger dog is more likely to develop cancer at some point in their life.

Cancer in Dogs:
Types of Cancer

Cancer can affect any body system. Not all cancers are the same. The research tracked these five cancers:

• Bone
• Liver
• Lymphatic
• Mammary
• Spleen

You can get a sense of which kinds of dogs are affected most by which types of cancer with this chart.

Cancer in Dogs:
What Pet Owners Need to Know

Understanding your dog’s cancer risk in more detail will help you stay alert to possible early symptoms and signs. For instance, medium-sized purebred dogs seem to have the highest risk for liver cancer.

Nationwide lists these possible actions based on the evidence:

“Determining when wait-and-see may not be the best approach – Large and extra-large dogs are at increased risk of bone cancer as early as six years old, and knowing what to look for could drive meaningful differences to pet health outcomes.

“Identifying an evidence-based approach to routine diagnostics – Pet families with medium, large and extra-large dogs may want to consider routine diagnostics from age eight or younger to catch liver cancer early.

“Raising the awareness of middle-aged canine cancers – Nationwide data confirm that lymphatic cancers (e.g., lymphoma) are a significantly higher relative risk than other forms of cancer for dogs in their middle years.”

Visit our list of common warning signs of cancer in dogs to learn what symptoms to look out for. And talk to your vet about this new research to tailor a prevention plan for your dog.

September 13, 2021

We Love Senior Pets!

During Senior Pet Health month, count your blessings if you have a senior animal for companionship! Here are a few reasons we love senior pets:

1. Animals tend to mellow as they age, relaxing from the energy highs from when they were a puppy or kitten. Life with a senior pet is a little more chill.
2. And while we’re chilling, we can cuddle! Senior pets are more likely to want to snuggle up for longer.
3. You both know each other better and have a deeper friendship than at the beginning. It’s great to be with a cat or dog who truly seems to understand you.
4. No more house training or litter box training. Need we say more?
5. Looking forward to more adventures together. Life’s not over just because you have a little grey in your fur!

Senior Pets by the Numbers

The AVMA offers this helpful chart to gauge the relative “age” of your pet in human terms. This helps us understand what special care might be expected as animals age.

How to Help Your Senior Pet Live Their Best Life

A little extra care and attention to wellness can help your senior dog or cat live longer and more healthy lives.

• More Wellness Visits: Older pets should visit their veterinarian twice a year for wellness exams.
• Lab Work: Blood work and other labs can help catch health concerns before they become major.
• Diet and Nutrition: Older pets needs high-quality food that is more easily digested.
• Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for longevity. Older dogs are prone to weight gain, while older cats tend to lose too much weight.
• Exercise: Keeping your older pet active can help them maintain their mobility.
• Comfort Considerations: Older pets may need beds and cushions on the floor, as they become less able to jump on furniture or climb stairs.

Have questions about your senior cat or dog? Contact us.

September 1, 2020

September is Senior Pet Wellness Month

We love our senior pets and want to ensure they receive the best care for the highest-quality life. A happy pet makes a happy person! During Senior Pet Wellness month, make a plan for continued wellness for your cat or dog as they age.

Signs of Illness in Senior Pets

With senior dogs and cats, it’s important to call your veterinarian right away if notice any of these symptoms of illness:

• Unexpected weight loss or gain
• Decreased appetite
• Increased water consumption
• Changes in urination or defecation behavior
• New lumps or bumps
• Coughing
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Unexpected collapse or weakness
• Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
• Drooling or bad breath
• Convulsions or seizure
• Apparent disorientation

Vet Street explains why we need to pay special attention to our senior pet’s health:

Unfortunately, many signs of health problems, including cognitive changes, urine leakage and slow movements, are misinterpreted by pet owners as a normal part of aging. But dismissing these signs can result in a missed opportunity to help your pet. If you notice any of the above symptoms or other changes in your pet’s normal behavior, it’s important to report them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.