By Supper User on Thursday, 12 February 2026
Category: Blog

5 Tips for Caring for Senior Pets | A Pet's Farewell

Senior Pet Care is about honoring the life your pet has lived while making each day as comfortable as possible. As dogs and cats grow older, small changes often become more noticeable, from slower walks to longer naps in the sun.

Families in Newport Beach understand how meaningful these years can be. At A Pet's Farewell, we support dogs and cats with In home euthanasia, Cremation, and Home Hospice and Palliative Care for Pets, helping families focus on comfort, dignity, and peace during every stage of aging.

If you are beginning to notice age-related changes, thoughtful Senior Pet Care can make a profound difference in your pet’s quality of life.

 

 

 

Tip 1: Support Mobility and Daily Comfort

Joint stiffness and muscle loss are common as pets age. You might see hesitation on stairs, difficulty jumping, or a slower pace during walks around Newport Beach.

Senior Pet Care starts at home with simple adjustments that reduce strain and increase confidence. Soft bedding, non-slip rugs, and easy access to favorite resting spots can prevent unnecessary discomfort.

Quick Win: Add a supportive orthopedic bed in your pet’s favorite resting area.

Small updates can preserve independence while minimizing pain.

Tip 2: Monitor Appetite and Weight Changes

Changes in eating habits can signal dental discomfort, digestive shifts, or underlying illness. Senior pets may need adjusted portion sizes or a modified diet to maintain healthy weight.

Senior Pet Care includes paying attention to subtle differences. Eating slower, leaving food behind, or increased thirst are worth noting. Keeping a simple weight log at home helps you track trends over time.

Quick Win: Weigh your pet monthly and record it in your phone for easy tracking.

Consistent observation provides helpful information when discussing care options with your veterinary or hospice team.

Tip 3: Prioritize Dental Health

Oral health plays a major role in comfort. Dental disease can cause chronic pain that pets often hide. Senior pets benefit from gentle mouth checks and professional evaluations when appropriate.

According to experts discussing common health issues in senior pets, dental disease is one of the most frequently overlooked conditions in aging animals.

Senior Pet Care becomes more effective when oral discomfort is addressed early.

Quick Win: Lift your pet’s lip once a week to check for redness, swelling, or heavy tartar buildup.

If you notice bad breath, drooling, or difficulty chewing, it may be time for a professional conversation.

Tip 4: Keep Grooming Gentle and Purposeful

Grooming does more than keep your pet looking neat. Brushing stimulates circulation, reduces matting, and helps you detect new lumps or sensitive areas.

Older pets may struggle to groom themselves, especially cats. Regular brushing sessions in a calm space can prevent skin irritation and provide bonding time.

Senior Pet Care often includes adjusting grooming routines to match comfort levels.

Quick Win: Brush for two minutes after a meal when your pet is relaxed.

During grooming, check for:

Gentle, consistent grooming supports both physical and emotional well-being.

Tip 5: Schedule Consistent Wellness and Comfort Evaluations

Routine checkups help identify changes before they escalate. Many senior pets benefit from evaluations every six months. Diagnostics, pain assessments, and quality-of-life conversations are central to Senior Pet Care.

At A Pet's Farewell, our focus in Newport Beach is comfort-centered support through In home euthanasia, Cremation, and Home Hospice and Palliative Care for Pets. When families in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Irvine need guidance, we help them understand options and plan thoughtfully.

Quick Win: Keep a weekly journal noting appetite, mobility, sleep patterns, and behavior changes.

These notes make care decisions clearer and more confident.

Compassionate Senior Pet Care in Newport Beach

Senior Pet Care is not just medical. It is emotional, practical, and deeply personal. A Pet's Farewell proudly supports dogs and cats across Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Irvine with compassionate hospice guidance and in-home support.

When comfort becomes the priority, having a trusted partner matters. If you would like to discuss your pet’s needs or explore hospice and end-of-life planning, please contact our team.

Every senior pet deserves dignity, comfort, and a peaceful transition surrounded by love. We are honored to walk alongside families during this meaningful stage of life.