Preparing Your Home for Their Golden Years
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a time to celebrate the calm, loyal, and loving dogs and cats who still have so much affection to share.
Whether you’re preparing to welcome an older pet into your home or looking to support a pet already in their golden years, small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference in their comfort and well-being.
Create a Senior-Friendly Home Environment
Accessible comfort zones:
Senior pets often experience arthritis or stiffness. Provide soft, supportive bedding on the main floor so they don’t need to climb stairs.
If your pet needs help getting on the bed or couch, stairs are good; ramps are better.
Non-slip surfaces:
Add rugs, mats, or runners to prevent slips on hard floors. For some dogs, the best nonslip surface is a paw protector bootie! We use yoga mats in the hospital to help with slippery surfaces.
Easy access to food and water:
Elevated bowl stands can help reduce joint strain. Keep fresh water available in multiple locations to encourage hydration.
Better lighting:
Diminished vision is common with age. Soft nightlights can help older pets navigate safely at night.
Litter box adjustments (for cats):
Low-sided boxes and convenient locations make litter boxes easier for senior cats to use comfortably. Some cat owners have found that DIY litterboxes made from high-sided storage totes with a large door cut into one side are effective at containing spills when kitty is too stiff to squat to urinate. Keeping litterboxes in multiple locations and on each floor of the home can help have one handy when kitty needs to go urgently.
Partner with Your Veterinarian
Schedule a senior wellness exam:
Regular exams and lab work help detect early signs of illness, such as kidney or thyroid disease. Many diseases common in our elderly pets can be treated to increase their comfort or lifespan.
Discuss mobility and pain control:
Subtle changes in activity or behavior may signal discomfort. Your veterinary team can recommend supplements, diets, exercises, or medications for pain relief and joint support.
Maintain preventive care:
Vaccinations, parasite control, and dental health remain essential in the senior years.
Promote Comfort and Mental Well-Being
Keep a predictable routine:
Consistency reduces anxiety and helps older pets feel secure.
Encourage gentle exercise:
Shorter, more frequent walks or play sessions support mobility without overexertion.
Add mental enrichment:
Old dogs can learn new tricks! Learning and play can keep seniors engaged and active. Food puzzles, training games, and new scents help maintain cognitive health.
Be patient with your new arrival
Adopting or introducing a senior pet into a new home requires patience and gentle understanding. Older pets often come with established habits and may need extra time to feel safe and secure in a new environment.
Allow time for adjustment
Many senior pets have experienced loss or significant change before arriving in their new home. Give them several weeks to settle in—don’t be discouraged if they seem reserved at first. Consistent routines, calm voices, and predictable schedules help build trust.
Use positive reinforcement:
Offer treats, soft praise, and gentle affection to reward calm behavior. Positive reinforcement helps your pet associate their new home with safety and comfort.
Monitor appetite and body language:
A new environment can affect appetite, sleep, and bathroom habits. Mild changes are normal, but if they persist, check in with your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical or stress-related causes.
Be Patient with Progress:
Bonding with a senior pet is often gradual, but once trust forms, it tends to be deep and enduring. Their quiet gratitude and companionship are well worth the time and care you invest.
Plan for Comfort Care
As your pet ages, you may notice changes such as confusion, vocalization, or incontinence. These can be managed with the help of your veterinarian through environmental modifications, medication, supplements, or palliative care. Thoughtful planning helps your pet remain comfortable and loved every step of the way.
The Joy of Senior Pet Companionship
Don’t be afraid of opening your heart and home to a senior pet. Adopting or caring for a senior pet is a beautiful act of compassion. These pets are often calm, deeply bonded, and grateful for the warmth of a gentle home. With a few practical adjustments, you can make your senior pet’s golden years truly shine.
