Gracefully grey: elevating care for senior and geriatric pets

Introduction

As advances in veterinary medicine continue to improve the longevity of pets, the focus on geriatric care becomes increasingly essential. Veterinary technicians play a critical and multifaceted role in supporting the health and quality of life of senior and geriatric animals. Their daily interactions, clinical insight, and emotional intelligence position them as essential advocates for our most vulnerable patients. This article explores the importance of differentiating between senior and geriatric patients, details comprehensive technician-led nutritional assessments, emphasizes technician responsibility in pain recognition and communication, and describes proactive nursing strategies tailored to aging patients. With a balanced approach that combines professional insight and practical application, this article also aims to elevate the role of the technician as an advocate, educator, and integral member of the geriatric care team.

Where do we begin?

The aging pet population is steadily growing – but as our pets live longer lives, they often require more nuanced, individualized support, from nutrition and mobility to behavior and chronic disease management (1). Just as society is embracing the beauty and strength of “going grey”, it is time for veterinary medicine to do the same, and veterinary technicians are uniquely equipped to lead this charge. Often the first to recognize subtle changes, and the most consistent touchpoint for pet owners, technicians serve as both caregivers and educators throughout the aging journey (2) (Figure 1). Their deep involvement across every phase of the clinic visit allows them to identify needs early, advocate for interventions, and compassionately guide pet families through both meaningful milestones and difficult decisions. With the right tools and trust, technicians can redefine what it means to support senior and geriatric pets – making compassionate, high-touch care not only expected, but essential.

Figure 1. The veterinary technician may have extensive face-to-face time with an owner at the clinic, and is the most consistent touchpoint for pet owners; the technician can serve as both caregiver and educator throughout a pet’s aging journey.
© Shutterstock

Shades of grey: differentiating senior and geriatric

The classification of pets as senior or geriatric is influenced by more than just age. Factors such as breed, size and species influence when pets may experience age-related changes. While a senior pet may still be generally healthy, a geriatric pet typically presents with one or more chronic health conditions that affect their daily function and quality of life (3).

Veterinary technicians must play a pivotal role in recognizing when a patient transitions between these life stages. Their understanding of breed and size-specific aging is especially important in dogs, where life stages differ considerably (Table 1) (4). For example, a 6-year-old Chihuahua may just be at the cusp of their senior years, while a 6-year-old Great Dane could already be showing signs of geriatric decline. Both pets deserve tailored conversations – but the tone, priorities, and nutritional or diagnostic recommendations may differ greatly. By customizing their approach to each patient and family, technicians promote more effective communication, stronger client relationships, and better long-term outcomes.

Table 1. Life stage variation with breed size in dogs.

More than just highlights: why senior pets deserve center stage

Senior pets now represent a growing segment of the patient population (5) – but longevity brings increasing complexity. Older pets often face a spectrum of physical and cognitive changes that, if unaddressed, can significantly diminish their quality of life. These patients are at higher risk for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), and dental disease (2-3). Focusing on the needs of aging pets is not just a clinical priority; it reflects our profession’s commitment to compassionate, lifelong care. Through early recognition and proactive management – including pain identification, dietary adjustments, environmental modifications, and regular monitoring – the veterinary team can extend both the length and comfort of life for senior patients (3). 

As more pet guardians seek reassurance and tailored advice for their aging animals, veterinary technicians should be empowered to provide this expertise. One valuable approach is to create dedicated technician-led senior counseling sessions, which not only meet the evolving needs of patients but also optimize technician utilization (Figure 1). During these sessions the technician can target various matters, e.g.:

• Conduct in-depth nutritional assessments, including body and muscle condition score, caloric needs, and diet history.
• Evaluate cognitive function and pain, using validated tools and behavioral observations.
• Discuss environmental enrichment and exercise plans appropriate for the patient.

These sessions support individualized care, deepen client trust, and allow technicians to take a leadership role in aging pet wellness. By spotlighting the needs of senior and geriatric pets and encouraging the technician to lead on such matters, the veterinary team can truly elevate the gold standard of care for their gracefully grey companions.

Figure 2. Dedicated one-to-one counseling sessions between the veterinary technician and an owner empowers the technician and allows a targeted approach to prioritize the pet’s needs.
© Shutterstock

Technician-led nutrition assessments 

As pets enter their senior and geriatric years, nutrition becomes not just important, but essential. Much like temperature or heart rate, nutrition should be considered the fifth vital assessment during patient visits (6). This assessment helps illuminate how well a pet’s dietary needs are being met, especially as age-related changes in metabolism, organ function, appetite, and mobility begin to emerge. Veterinary technicians can conduct these detailed nutritional assessments, gathering data points during the physical exam and at clinic admission, which will serve as a foundation for tailored nutrition plans. These evaluations should include:

• Body Condition Score (BCS)
• Muscle Condition Score (MCS) – vital for detecting early sarcopenia
• Resting Energy Requirement (RER): 70 x BW(kg)^{^0.75}
• Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) using life-stage and condition factors (Table 2). 
• Detailed food history, including current diet, treats, table food, supplements, feeding schedule, and method of delivery (bowl, puzzle feeder, syringe, etc.)

Table 2. Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) using life-stage and condition factors (7).

As pets age, several feeding challenges may emerge that require individualized strategies (Box 1). The technician can guide owners through suitable at-home strategies, such as:

• Warming or moistening food to enhance aroma and appeal
• Offering smaller, more frequent meals
• Using elevated bowls or feeding stations for pets with arthritis or mobility challenges
• Gradual food transitions over 5-7 days

This type of structured approach fosters continuity of care and deepens client trust. It may also ignite a passion for nutrition within technicians, encouraging them to pursue specialization (e.g., via the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT) https://nutritiontechs.com).

Box 1. Feeding challenges that can emerge which require individualized strategies (8).

Assessing pain, cognition, and comfort

As pets age, discomfort and cognitive decline are often masked by subtle behavioral changes or mistaken for “normal aging.” When a veterinary technician recognizes these early warning signs, they should initiate supportive conversations. Chronic pain in senior pets can present as reluctance to jump or climb stairs, restlessness, vocalization, decreased appetite, or changes in grooming. Because owners may not recognize these signs, technicians must observe, document, and communicate concerns clearly. Tools like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) allow owners to score their dog’s pain severity and its interference with daily functions, such as walking and enjoying life. For cats, the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) helps veterinary teams assess acute pain using changes in facial expression, such as squinting, whisker position, and muzzle tension.

While end-of-life conversations are never easy, having structured tools can offer comfort, clarity, and confidence for both the veterinary team and pet owners. The HHHHHMM Scale (Box 2) serves as a compassionate framework to guide these discussions. By evaluating seven factors (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad) the scale helps families lean into meaningful decision-making, grounded in objective reflection and emotional support (2). 

Quality of Life Scale

(The HHHHHMM Scale)

Pet caregivers can use this Quality-of-Life Scale to determine the success of Pawspice care. Score patients using a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being ideal).

Box 2. The Quality-of-Life Scale (from (9)).

Veterinary technicians can play an essential role in introducing and explaining this tool, scoring each category from 0 to 10; a cumulative score of 35 or above (out of a maximum of 70) suggests an acceptable quality of life, and may help identify when palliative care, hospice discussions, or compassionate euthanasia should be considered (9). Note that technicians do not determine end-of-life decisions, but understanding this scale allows them to support owners during emotional conversations and reinforce the veterinarian’s recommendations.

Another area where owners and technicians can partner together is around Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), which is a underrecognized challenge in senior pets. Owner-completed assessments such as DISHAA (Dog Impairment in Spontaneous Home Activities Assessment) and CADES (Canine Dementia Scale) help evaluate memory, orientation, social behavior, and sleep/wake cycles. Technicians can guide clients in completing these tools and discuss potential management strategies, including environmental enrichment, dietary modification, or medical therapy (10). 

Veterinary technicians as educators

As educators, translators, and trusted advocates, the veterinary technician has several key roles to play. Whether explaining the progression of kidney disease, demonstrating how to administer subcutaneous fluids, or suggesting home modifications to support an arthritic pet, a technician bridge the gap between medical recommendations and everyday care (2-3). 

Their ability to communicate with empathy, repetition, and clarity empowers clients to become confident partners in their pet’s aging journey. Technicians should proactively lead conversations about:

• When and how to adjust care goals as a pet ages or declines.
• What signs to monitor at home, e.g., hydration status, food intake, weight shifts, sleep patterns, or changes in activity.
• How to interpret behavioral changes that may signal discomfort, pain or cognitive dysfunction.
• What to expect during hospice or palliative care stages, helping families feel prepared and supported.

By anticipating client concerns and delivering information in digestible, compassionate ways, veterinary technicians enhance compliance, reduce pet owner stress, and uphold patient dignity through every stage of aging. 

These essential conversations foster trust, improve outcomes and solidify the technician’s role as a cornerstone of client education. Thoughtful touches, such as suggesting non-slip surfaces, padded bedding, and low-stress handling, may seem small – but collectively, they speak volumes about technician-led compassion and intention.

Hospitalized geriatric patients

Hospitalization can be especially stressful for aging pets. Technicians ensure that senior patients are kept clean, warm and dry, and that their physical and emotional needs are met (Figure 3). Suitable examples of good nursing protocols include:

• Frequent position changes to prevent pressure sores.
• Passive range of motion or assisted walking every 4 hours.
• Soft bedding and non-slip surfaces.
• Nutrition and hydration support tailored to their disease state.
• Behavioral support through gentle handling and routine.

Technicians must also monitor for skin fragility, changes in mentation, and new signs of pain or organ dysfunction. Prompt communication of these changes improves outcomes and reinforces the technician’s role as the patient’s advocate. 

Figure 3. Technicians have a major role to play when dealing with senior hospitalized patients; it is vital that these animals are kept clean, warm, and dry, and that their physical and emotional needs are met.
© Shutterstock

Conclusion

Senior and geriatric pets require skilled, attentive and compassionate care – care that veterinary technicians are uniquely equipped to provide. Through nutritional assessments, pain recognition, cognitive and quality-of-life evaluations, client education and hands-on nursing care, technicians elevate the standard of care and comfort for aging pets. But this is only the beginning; optimization of veterinary technician roles in senior pet care is an emerging opportunity. From establishing technician-led wellness consultations to guiding clients through disease management, gentle handling techniques, and mobility support, there is an expanding landscape of impact. In a profession that is often emotionally and physically demanding, senior pet care offers a meaningful silver lining: the chance to find a niche fueled by purpose. Technicians who lean into this space not only improve outcomes for patients and peace of mind for pet families, they also discover new ways for career growth. Whether pursuing specialization, mentoring others, or leading programs in practice, this path is paved with opportunity, empathy, and the power to make every aging tail wag a little longer.

References

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5. Pittari J, Rodan I, Beekman G, et al. American Association of Feline Practitioners Senior Care Guidelines. J. Feline Med. Surg. 2009;11(9);763-778.
6. AAHA. Nutrition: The First Step in Preventive Care. AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association, 2010.
7. Thatcher C, Hand MS, Remillard R. Small animal clinical nutrition: An iterative process. In; Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. 5^th ed. MI, Walsworth Publishing Co. 2010;3-21.
8. Churchill JA. Nutrition for senior dogs: new tricks for feeding old dogs. In: Proceedings, Critical Updates on Canine & Feline Health. NAVC/WVC Symposia 2015.
9. Villalobos A, Kaplan L. Palliative care: end of life “pawspice” care. In: Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publishing. 2007;367-398.
10. Yuschak S. Aging Gracefully with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Today’s Vet Nurse. March 2025.