Understanding Safety Concerns for Senior Pets

In this video, Dr. Yamamoto talks about something we discuss often with pet owners: how aging pets can become confused or disoriented in spaces they used to navigate without any trouble. As dogs and cats get older, changes in memory, vision, and hearing can make familiar areas feel unfamiliar — and sometimes unsafe.

These shifts can happen gradually, so it’s easy for us as owners to forget that our pets may not see the edge of a step anymore, or may not hear what’s around them. Dr. Yamamoto highlights several everyday situations where senior pets can accidentally injure themselves simply because their perception isn’t what it used to be.

Why Their Environment Matters

One of the biggest points she makes is that the home environment can quietly become a challenge. Stairs, furniture, tight corners, and even outdoor spaces like backyards and pools can turn into hazards if a pet misjudges distance or becomes confused about where they are. Many older pets also lose strength in their hind end, making jumping or climbing riskier than it appears.

What You Can Do at Home

Here are a few things Dr. Yamamoto encourages owners to think about:

• Block off stairs or areas where a fall is possible.

• Limit access to furniture they try to jump on or off, since miscalculations are common in older pets.

• Watch for places they can get stuck — under tables, behind furniture, or in tight spaces they used to fit through easily.

• Be cautious with outdoor areas, especially around pools or uneven ground, as pets with cognitive changes may not realize where they’re stepping.

These are small adjustments, but they can prevent serious injuries and help your pet feel more secure.

Supporting Your Senior Pet

The biggest takeaway from Dr. Yamamoto’s message is that our older pets rely on us a little more than they used to. Their world has changed, even if the house hasn’t. Making their environment safer, keeping routines predictable, and paying close attention to new behavior patterns can go a long way in supporting their comfort and quality of life.

Our team is always here to help if you have questions about changes you’re seeing in your senior pet or need guidance on how to make your home safer for them.