11/10/2025
November is adopt a senior pet & senior pet health month! What are some benefits to adopting a senior pet?
-Lower initial costs: many shelters offer reduced adoption fees for seniors, and they typically come with their core vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and a recent wellness exam already completed.
-Predictable behavior: their personalities, size, and health needs are already established, so you know exactly what kind of companion youāre welcoming into your home.
-Instant companionship: senior pets often bond quickly because they seem to understand being given a second chance.
So how can you support your senior petās health?
-Regular veterinary care including annual exams to catch early signs of issues like arthritis, dental disease, or kidney problems.
-Routine bloodwork screenings. Sometimes everything looks great on the outside, but we canāt see whatās going on inside, and early detection can make a huge difference in your petās healthcare journey.
-Balanced nutrition and an age-appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping your pet hydrated with fresh water or wet food.
-A senior friendly environment including rugs or mats to reduce falls, easy access to food, water, and/or litter boxes where they donāt need to jump or climb, and a cozy area to rest in.
-Emotional support: lots of affection, gentle touch, and quality time to strengthen your bond and ease stress. Also respecting their pace as every senior pet is different. Whether they want more rest, or still want to play, let them set their own pace.
Pictured is Dr. Hillerās senior boy, Toby. Drop a picture of your senior ābabiesā in the comments š¾
