Helping caregivers support aging pets at home

Veterinarian Mary Gardner, DVM, is urging clinicians to give pet parents more practical, low-cost ways to care for aging pets at home, especially when mobility declines and caregiving becomes emotionally draining. In dvm360 coverage, Gardner highlights simple environmental changes, including yoga mats or bath mats for traction, toe grips, harnesses, and ramps, as tools that can help senior pets stay safer and more comfortable. The message aligns with the 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines, which call for individualized senior care plans, caregiver-focused education, and clinic workflows that reduce stress for both pets and families. (dvm360.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the story is less about any single product and more about reframing geriatric care as day-to-day support, not just diagnostics and medications. AAHA’s guidelines emphasize sharing practical senior-pet materials with caregivers, while Gardner’s broader commentary stresses that small home modifications and regular check-ins can preserve quality of life, reduce falls and frustration, and help families stay engaged with the veterinary team earlier in the decline process. That matters because Gardner has also pointed to a persistent gap in care for pets nearing end of life, with too many not seeing a veterinarian in the months before euthanasia. (aaha.org)

What to watch: Expect continued emphasis on senior-care protocols, caregiver-burden resources, and telehospice or at-home support models as practices look for ways to extend guidance beyond the exam room. (aaha.org)