

November 20, 2020 – It’s no secret that advances in pet health care have increased longevity in our cat and dog friends.
Improving the quality of life for our aged pets is just as important as improving quantity. As pet owners, there are many things we can do to help keep our pets healthy and vital in their golden years.
Defining old age in dogs and cats
Cats and dogs reach different life stages at different times and it’s important for owners to know how these life-stages are defined since recommendations for care revolve around a pet’s life stage.
The currently accepted guidelines are:
The concept of healthy aging
Aging is a normal process and not a disease, but a lack of knowledge about the aging process may make us think otherwise. The good news is that this view is changing rapidly.
Veterinarians are working together with aging experts to learn more about the normal changes that occur as the body ages in our pets as a first step toward finding ways to maximize good health.
Experts in pet healthy aging have adopted the goals promoted in healthy human aging, which include three areas of focus:
In people, these focus areas are assessed in a variety of ways, from subjective cognition tests to objective measurements such as routine lab work. Dog and cat aging experts have used these areas as well when designing programs for older pet patients.
What can owners do?
As we learn more about healthy aging in dogs and cats, there are steps owners can take today to help their aging pets stay healthy. These include:
Work with your veterinarian to determine the best exercise and diet plan for your pet. Your family veterinarian also can help discuss what supplements or medications might improve your cat’s or dog’s quality of life as they age.
How Morris Animal Foundation is helping pets live longer and healthier lives
We’ve funded studies looking at everything from diet to supplements for aging pets, to pain management. Our Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is generating data that will allow researchers an unprecedented view on how dogs age.
But we still have a lot to learn and we need your help. Make a gift today to help keep dogs wagging, rolling and frolicking for years to come.