National Senior Pet Month in November is a special time dedicated to honoring our beloved older pets and raising awareness about their unique needs. At Animal Admiration Pet Care, we understand the importance of this month and how professional pet sitters support senior dogs and their families, especially when their owners are away. From encouraging you to adopt a senior pet to helping you adjust to your senior pet’s needs, we’re fully committed to celebrating National Senior Pet Month!
How Old is a Senior Dog?
Dogs are typically considered seniors at seven years and older, depending on breed and size. The larger the dog, the younger they reach senior status. No matter how old they are, once seniors, dogs require extra care, attention, and vigilance to keep them happy and healthy in their golden years. This chart is helpful in determining your dog’s age according to their breed and size. Meanwhile, this article discusses signs your dog is becoming a senior.
Caring for Senior Dogs
Professional pet sitters at Animal Admiration Pet Care are specially trained to care for senior dogs. We notice the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of aging and health concerns in senior dogs. Our training goes beyond basic animal care; we learn to recognize physical symptoms such as decreased mobility, stiffness, limping, or difficulty climbing stairs, which might indicate arthritis or joint issues. We also watch for changes in eyesight, hearing, and appetite, weight fluctuations, and dental health problems like bad breath or pawing at the mouth, which could signal deeper health concerns.
Cognitive and behavioral changes are just as important to detect. Senior dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia in humans) that leads to confusion, anxiety, unusual sleep patterns, or changes in social interactions.
Working with Pet Parents
Our professional pet sitters are trained to carefully observe these behavioral shifts and document them promptly to inform pet owners of what we’re seeing. Noticing a previously friendly dog becoming withdrawn or a calm dog suddenly exhibiting restlessness, for example, can be a signal that veterinary care may be needed.
If ever we notice changes in your pet’s behavior, demeanor, or temperament, you’ll be our first call. We’ll share what we’ve observed and work with you and your veterinary team to decipher the best next steps. If you’re not available, we will contact your emergency contact and will only make decisions on your behalf in true emergencies.
How Professional Pet Sitters Support Senior Dogs
Our dog walkers and pet sitters also tailor our care to fit the unique needs of senior and special needs pets. Gentle exercise suitable to the dog’s stamina, consistent feeding schedules with special dietary considerations, and safe medication administration ensure seniors remain comfortable. Our training includes administering medications correctly and knowing when to seek emergency care.
When you hire a professional pet sitter like our team, you get a knowledgeable advocate for your senior or special needs dog, who can provide both companionship and communication, alerting you to any health issues. Our professional, proactive approach helps prevent small problems from becoming urgent matters. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your beloved senior companions are in capable hands that respect their age-related needs and will be by their side when you can’t be.
National Senior Pet Month
Senior Pet Month is a reminder of our responsibility to care for pets throughout their lives and to adapt to their needs as they age. At Animal Admiration Pet Care, we are proud to support this mission by offering pet sitters trained in senior care who enhance the quality of life for aging dogs in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, and West Houston. Our team’s expertise ensures every visit is more than just feeding and walking. It’s about close attention, understanding, and responsive care tailored to seniors’ health and happiness.
If you have a senior dog, consider the peace of mind we provide when you’re away. This Senior Pet Month, celebrate your older pets and trust their care to professionals who know how to keep them thriving!
The Best Pet Sitters in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. We care for all pet species, breeds, and ages, to ensure pets in Katy and neighboring communities receive the best care.
To join the Animal Admiration family, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
