As pets grow older, their needs and behavior often change. Senior pets benefit from frequent checkups to catch these changes early so your veterinarian can intervene to maintain their quality of life. 

Asking the right questions during an aging pet visit ensures you get the answers you need to provide the best care. The Lap of Love team explains how to prepare for your senior pet’s wellness exam with key questions about pain, mobility, cognitive health, nutrition, and more.

Why senior pets need wellness exams

Just as people do, pets experience more health changes as they age. Their organs may not function as efficiently, joints can become stiff or painful, and conditions like kidney disease, arthritis, and cancer become more common. 

Most veterinarians recommend that senior pets have checkups every six months. Aging happens faster in pets, given their short, accelerated lives, and a lot can happen in only a few months. Catching health changes sooner means they’re easier to treat, and simple interventions in the early stages of disease can extend your pet’s healthy years. 

A senior pet is one who has reached the last 25% of their expected lifespan. While we can’t predict each individual pet’s lifespan, we know that cats and small dogs tend to live longer than large and giant-breed dogs. A cat may be considered a senior at age 10, while a large dog may be a senior at age 6 or 7. Your vet can help you determine when your pet needs more frequent check-ups.

Key questions to ask during senior pet exams

Senior wellness exams are your chance to get ahead of age-related changes by talking openly with your vet, but you may be unsure of the right questions to ask. Below are six critical areas to consider as you prepare questions for your senior pet’s checkup.

Pain and mobility

Pain can be difficult to detect in older pets. Signs can be subtle and easy to dismiss as normal aging. However, pain and mobility problems are often treatable with medications, household modifications, controlled exercise, and alternative therapies.

Questions to ask your vet about pain and mobility include:

* How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

* What conditions can cause pain in an aging pet?

* How can I help my pet cope with pain or mobility loss?

Cognitive and behavioral changes

Aging affects the brain as much as the body. Some pets may develop signs of cognitive decline similar to those seen in humans with dementia. This condition, called cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CDS, can lead to confusion, altered behavior and sleep patterns, anxiety, and loss of house training. Other conditions can also contribute to behavior changes, including pain. 

Questions to ask your vet about cognitive and behavioral changes include:

* Is my aging pet’s behavior normal?

* How can I tell the difference between pain and cognitive decline in my pet?

* How can I help address cognitive changes in my pet?

* How can I slow the progression of my pet’s cognitive decline? 

Nutrition and weight management

Your pet’s dietary needs change with age. Senior pets may have a slower metabolism and gain weight more easily, or they may lose muscle due to disease. Your senior pet may need fewer calories, more calories, or higher or lower amounts of protein or fat. Additionally, pets with specific health conditions, such as kidney disease, can benefit from specially formulated foods that help slow the progression of their disease. 

Your veterinarian can help you assess your pet’s body condition score (BCS), muscle condition, and current food type and nutritional needs to determine if a change could help improve their health.

Questions to ask your vet about nutrition and weight include:

* Does my pet need a special senior diet or prescription food?

* How can I assess my pet’s weight and body condition at home?

* How do I start a safe exercise program for my senior pet?

Preventive screenings and lab work

Many of the conditions senior pets develop can start to disrupt a pet’s body and health before you notice symptoms at home. Routine lab work and preventive screenings, including blood work, urinalysis, fecal tests, blood pressure checks, X-rays, and ultrasounds, are critical aspects of senior pet wellness exams. Your vet may recommend one or more of these screening tests based on lifestyle, health history, and breed risks, and after discussing the topic with you.

Questions to ask your vet about preventive screenings include:

* What are the most common health conditions that affect my pet’s species/age/breed?

* What lab tests or screenings are recommended for my pet at this time?

* Does my pet need specialized screenings for cancer or heart disease?

Dental health and comfort

Dental disease is a common issue in senior pets. It can begin as early as age 3 and will progress over time if left untreated. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria in the mouth can lead to gum infections, tooth loss, oral pain, and damage to organs like the heart and kidneys.

Your vet may recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia if your pet has dental disease that is causing them pain. Although anesthesia carries some risks for seniors, most older pets can safely undergo dental procedures when proper precautions are in place.

Questions to ask your vet about dental health include:

* Does my pet show signs of dental disease or oral pain?

* Is it safe for my pet to undergo anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

* What can I do to preserve my pet’s dental health and reduce the need for cleanings?

Quality of life and end-of-life planning

No one wants to think about saying goodbye to an aging pet, but planning can make a big difference in how your pet experiences their final months or years. Understanding a pet’s quality of life is key to making compassionate end-of-life decisions.

Your veterinarian or a Lap of Love hospice care vet can help you assess quality of life, including things like appetite, mobility, social interaction, and daily routines, to help provide a clear picture of your pet’s comfort. Palliative or hospice care may help manage symptoms, and in-home euthanasia services can be a peaceful option when the time comes.

Questions to ask your vet about quality of life and end-of-life planning include:

* How can I tell if my pet still enjoys their life?

* When are hospice and palliative care appropriate for my pet?

* When should I consider euthanasia for my aging pet?

How to prepare for a senior pet wellness exam

Coming prepared to your pet’s senior wellness exam with the questions above can help you get clear answers about their health and make the most of your appointment time. Part of this preparation includes closely monitoring your pet at home and noting any changes—even if they seem like normal aging to you.

Examples of things you may notice include:

* Appetite or thirst changes

* Litter box or elimination habit changes

* Weight changes

* Vision or hearing changes

* Lumps or bumps

* Loss of energy or playfulness

* Trouble getting up, using stairs, or jumping

* Confusion, anxiety, or disrupted sleep

* Unusual behaviors

Other helpful things to bring to your upcoming vet visit include:

* Video clips of odd behaviors that may be hard for you to describe

* A list of current medications, supplements, food, and treats

* Additional personalized questions about your pet’s health and well-being

Advocating for an aging companion

You know your pet better than anyone. When you come prepared with questions and observations, you give your veterinarian the insight they need to provide the best possible care. Senior pet wellness exams are opportunities to preserve comfort, prevent suffering, and support quality of life. 

Lap of Love veterinarians can provide compassionate support for pet owners with aging companions. Find a vet near you to learn about senior pet care services, including hospice and palliative care, telehospice, quality of life evaluations, and in-home euthanasia.