Pet ownership is a hefty financial commitment, as dogs and cats can cost thousands over their lifetime. According to Synchrony, they can cost up to $2,800 in the first year alone. For most, pet ownership benefits, including purpose, companionship, and love, are well worth the costs. However, expenses typically increase as pets reach their senior years and develop health issues requiring long-term management. Here’s our guide to help you anticipate and prepare for senior pet care costs.

Costly senior pet health issues

A popular veterinary medicine adage is that age is not a disease, but disease can sometimes come with age. Many age-related diseases require long-term medications or other costly interventions to fight progression and improve comfort. Some conditions you may encounter as your pet gets older include: 

* Arthritis—Degenerative joint disease affects most dogs and cats to some degree, causing pain, stiffness, and altered mobility. Treatment may include oral or injectable medications, daily supplements, physical therapy, or alternative modalities (e.g., chiropractic, acupuncture) and represents an ongoing expense.

* Dental disease — Oral health issues, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, are uncomfortable for pets. Dental disease may progress with age and complicate other health conditions. Treatment requires daily home care and periodic anesthetized dental cleanings with tooth extractions as needed.

* Kidney disease — Pets with reduced kidney function require ongoing management to slow disease progression and preserve their quality of life. Treatment often involves a prescription diet, supplements to balance minerals, and supplemental fluids. Pets with kidney disease also require close monitoring with blood and urine tests. 

* Heart disease — Heart conditions can be costly to diagnose and monitor and sometimes require specialist care. After diagnosis, pets may need follow-up visits with a cardiologist or ongoing daily medications to improve heart function.

* Cancer — Cancer treatment options are plentiful and depend on tumor type. Expenses related to diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiation, or other oncologist-led treatments can add up quickly.  

* Hormone disorders — Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism are common endocrine disorders in older pets that require daily medications and ongoing monitoring.

Additional senior pet care costs

Senior pet essentials may cost more than products purchased for younger pets. For example, an older large-breed dog will likely require a supportive, more expensive orthopedic-style bed. Some other items you may need include:

* Special diets — Highly digestible or prescription food can benefit seniors with diet-responsive medical conditions.

* Supplements — Anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, cognitive health, calming, and other supplements provide targeted health support.

* Adaptive equipment—Ramps, pet stairs, traction rugs, and baby gates help seniors adapt to mobility challenges and make their homes safer. 

How to pay for senior pet care

Senior pet care costs can come up suddenly, but planning how you’ll pay can provide peace of mind because you’re ready for whatever comes. Pet insurance is a popular option for offsetting expenses but it has limitations. You must purchase a plan before your pet develops a chronic condition, as pre-existing ailments are excluded from coverage. Most people can afford premiums for young pets, but you should expect a yearly increase as your pet ages. Always read the fine print and understand the plan’s waiting periods, deductibles, limits, and exclusions. Pet insurance isn’t your only option. Other ways to make senior pet care costs more affordable include:

* Veterinary care credit cards

* Veterinary hospital payment plans

* Pet savings accounts

* Personal loans

Reducing senior pet care costs with preventive medicine

Preventive care is a great way to reduce senior pet care costs. Older pets should see their primary veterinarian at least twice annually, or more often to manage ongoing health conditions. Physical exams, vaccines, parasite control, routine dental cleanings, and diagnostic screening tests help ward off preventable diseases and catch minor problems before they snowball into more significant issues. Investing in thorough check-ups can help reduce the chances of a sudden emergency or hospitalization from an undetected illness.

Owning a senior pet is a privilege and a joy, but caring for your aging pal may cost more than you think. Pet insurance and other budget-friendly payment methods, including end-of-life care, can prepare you for the unexpected. For pets with terminal or chronic diseases, contact a Lap of Love veterinarian to assess their quality of life and create a plan for hospice care or humane in-home euthanasia.