Caring for an older animal in a warm climate

Older animals often need a little more help to stay comfortable during the warmer months. Age can affect how well an animal regulates body temperature, moves around, recovers from exercise and copes with changes in routine. In the Algarve, where summer temperatures can remain high well into the evening, small adjustments to daily life can make a significant difference.

The aim is not to stop an older animal enjoying the outdoors. It is to make sure they can do so safely, comfortably and at a pace that suits their changing needs.

Plan around the heat

The hottest part of the day is usually the least suitable time for exercise. For dogs, consider taking walks during the cooler parts of the morning and evening, while keeping midday outings short and focused on essential toilet breaks when temperatures are high.

Remember that air temperature is not the only consideration. Pavements, roads and other hard surfaces can become considerably hotter than the surrounding air and may burn paw pads. If the ground is too hot for the back of your hand to remain comfortably against it for several seconds, it is too hot for prolonged contact with your animal's paws.

Older animals may also tire more quickly than they used to. A familiar walk that was once effortless may now require more frequent pauses, a shorter route or a slower pace.

Watch the animal rather than the clock. If they are slowing down, seeking shade, repeatedly stopping or showing reluctance to continue, treat these as signs to take a break or head home.

Make water easy to access

Fresh drinking water should always be readily available, both indoors and outside.

When travelling or going for a walk, take water with you rather than relying on finding a suitable water source. Dogs in particular may drink more during hot weather, although individual requirements vary.

At home, consider placing water bowls in more than one location so an older animal does not have to walk far to reach one. Outdoor bowls should be positioned somewhere shaded and checked regularly.

Never leave an animal without access to water, particularly during hot weather.

Create a cooler place to rest

Older animals often spend more time resting, so where they sleep and relax matters.

Provide a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight. During very hot weather, a cooler indoor room may be more comfortable than an outdoor bed, particularly during the hottest hours.

Cooling mats, dampened towels or other cooling products can sometimes help, but they should be used appropriately and should never be treated as a substitute for shade, ventilation and access to water. An animal should always be able to move away from a cooling product if they become uncomfortable.

Fans and air conditioning can also help maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Make sure an animal can move away from direct airflow if they wish.

Pay extra attention to mobility

Stiffness and reduced mobility are common as animals age. Arthritis and other age-related conditions can make getting up, climbing stairs or walking on slippery surfaces increasingly difficult.

Small changes around the home can help:

• Provide a supportive, comfortable bed that is easy to get in and out of.

• Place non-slip rugs or mats on slippery floors.

• Keep food and water somewhere easily accessible.

• Consider ramps or steps where appropriate, particularly for animals that struggle to get onto furniture or into a vehicle.

• Reduce unnecessary stairs where possible.

• Keep nails appropriately trimmed, as overgrown nails can make movement more difficult.

• Keep pathways clear of obstacles.

Do not assume that slowing down is simply a normal part of getting old. A gradual change in mobility can sometimes indicate pain or an underlying condition that deserves veterinary attention.

Adjust exercise rather than stopping it

Regular, appropriate movement can be beneficial for older animals, but the amount and intensity should reflect their individual condition.

Shorter, more frequent walks may be easier than one long walk. Gentle movement can be preferable to strenuous activity, particularly during hot weather.

Allow plenty of time for sniffing and exploring rather than focusing solely on distance. For animals with mobility problems, enrichment activities at home can provide mental stimulation without requiring prolonged physical exertion.

If an older animal has a diagnosed condition affecting their joints, heart, lungs or mobility, ask your veterinarian what level of exercise is appropriate.

Know the signs of overheating

Heat-related illness can become serious quickly. Older animals may be more vulnerable, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions or breathing difficulties.

Possible signs of heat stress include:

• Heavy or excessive panting

• Excessive drooling

• Restlessness or distress

• Weakness or unusual tiredness

• Difficulty walking or loss of coordination

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Confusion or unusual behaviour

• Collapse or loss of consciousness

If you suspect your animal is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cooler area and contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary service immediately. Follow professional advice about cooling while arranging veterinary care.

Do not wait for an animal to collapse before taking action.

Grooming needs can change

A thick or matted coat can make staying comfortable in hot weather more difficult. Regular grooming helps remove loose hair and prevent mats, particularly in animals with longer coats.

However, shaving an animal's coat is not automatically the best way to keep them cool. A coat can provide some protection from sunlight as well as insulation, and the appropriate approach depends on the species, breed and individual coat.

Ask a professional groomer or veterinarian if you are unsure what is appropriate for your animal.

Watch for changes in appetite and behaviour

Hot weather can affect appetite and activity levels, but significant or persistent changes should not simply be attributed to the temperature.

Keep an eye on:

• Eating or drinking substantially more or less than usual

• Changes in toileting habits

• Unusual sleeping patterns

• Increased restlessness or anxiety

• Difficulty standing or lying down

• Reluctance to walk

• Increased panting when resting

• Changes in interaction or behaviour

• Weight loss or gain

Because older animals can develop health problems gradually, knowing what is normal for your individual animal makes changes easier to recognise.

A simple record of weight, appetite, drinking, mobility and behaviour can be particularly useful when discussing changes with your veterinarian.

Take extra care when travelling

Warm-weather journeys require additional planning for older animals.

Avoid leaving an animal alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short period. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, and opening windows does not make an unattended vehicle a safe environment.

For longer journeys, plan stops where the animal can drink, rest and, where appropriate, toilet. Keep the vehicle well ventilated and avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible.

Older animals with mobility difficulties may also benefit from assistance getting into and out of the vehicle. A ramp or suitable lifting aid can reduce strain.

When should you speak to your veterinarian?

Some changes associated with ageing are gradual, but pain, illness and reduced organ function can sometimes look like "just getting older".

Arrange a veterinary assessment if you notice a persistent or significant change in:

• Mobility or ability to climb stairs

• Appetite or drinking

• Weight

• Breathing or panting

• Sleep or restlessness

• Toileting

• Behaviour or temperament

• Balance or coordination

• Ability to groom themselves

• Interest in normal activities

Seek urgent veterinary help if an older animal collapses, has difficulty breathing, becomes severely weak or confused, suffers a seizure, or shows signs of serious heat-related illness.

Regular veterinary check-ups become increasingly valuable as animals age. Your veterinarian can also advise on appropriate exercise, weight management, dental care, nutrition, pain management and screening based on the animal's species, breed, age and individual circumstances.

Small changes can make a big difference

Caring for an older animal does not necessarily mean changing everything. Often, the most useful improvements are simple ones: walking earlier, providing another water bowl, adding a non-slip mat, offering a more supportive bed or allowing more time for rest.

The most important thing is to notice what your animal is telling you.

An older companion may still want to explore, play, walk and spend time outside. Their needs may simply be different now. Adapting their environment and routine allows them to continue enjoying those experiences while reducing unnecessary heat, mobility and physical challenges.

When in doubt, particularly when a change is sudden, persistent or worsening, speak to your veterinarian.