Old age ailments
Better food, better care, and more love. Pets live longer than they did decades ago, as do us humans. This puts your old dog or cat at a higher risk of old-age ailments: an older pet has less energy, is stiffer and their joints suffer more often. Their kidneys can have problems as well, and one in ten dogs or cats will suffer from gallstones.
Often, it does not just stop at physical complaints: the animal brain is also affected by old age. You can expect that the furry elderly will not be as sharp as they used to be, but it could be a bit worse. Dogs and cats can suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also known as dementia.