🐾 Daily Care

Fresh Water & Balanced Meals:

Keeps hydration up and supports joint, kidney, and heart health. Consider senior-specific diets.

Gentle Exercise:

Short walks or play help maintain muscle tone, mobility, and mental health.

Joint-Friendly Resting Area:

Provide a soft, orthopedic bed in a draft-free, easy-to-access spot.

Pain/Mobility Check:

Watch for limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move — these can signal arthritis or injury.

Bathroom Habits:

Note changes in frequency, color, or texture — can indicate health issues.

Grooming & Skin Check:

Brush to prevent mats, check for lumps, bumps, or skin irritation.

Daily Affection & Mental Stimulation:

Gentle play, puzzle toys, or training to keep the brain sharp and the bond strong.

📅 Monthly Care

Weigh Your Dog or Cat:

Sudden changes in weight can indicate illness, thyroid issues, or pain.

Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention:

Older dogs and cats are still vulnerable. Stay consistent with prevention meds.

Nail Trimming:

Overgrown nails cause joint strain and make walking painful.

Dental Check:

Lift lips to check gums and teeth for redness, tartar, or bad breath (possible infection).

Coat & Skin Condition Review:

Look for hair loss, hot spots, or changes in texture.

Adjust Activity:

As mobility changes, update walk length or add low-impact activities like swimming. Or for cats, gentle play.

🗓 Annual (or Semi-Annual) Care

 Veterinary Exam (Every 6 months for seniors):

Early detection of disease greatly improves outcomes which is why it’s important to keep up with the vet visits.

Blood Work & Urinalysis:

Screens for organ function, diabetes, and underlying health issues.

Dental Cleaning (Professional):

Helps prevent heart, kidney, and liver issues caused by dental bacteria.

Vaccination Review:

Keep core vaccines updated; some may switch to a 3-year schedule.

Vision & Hearing Assessment:

Detect changes early in your pet’s vision or hearing so you can adapt your home and routines.

Joint & Mobility Evaluation:

Vets can recommend supplements, therapy, or meds if arthritis is progressing.

Diet & Weight Reassessment:

Adjust food type, portion size, and supplements as needed.

Tips for Success

• Keep this checklist printed near your dog’s or cat’s food area or stored in your phone for quick reference.

• Use a journal or app to track changes in appetite, energy, mobility, and bathroom habits.

• Don’t wait until your dog or cat is “acting sick” — senior dogs and cats are experts at hiding discomfort.