Month-long event to care for senior pets

Alex Salveta, Retail Store Manager, Maxi Zoo, with Tiny, a senior dog. Maxi Zoo has launched a campaign this September to help people understand the needs of senior pets. Picture: Barry Cronin

Maxi Zoo, Ireland’s largest pet specialty retailer which recently opened a store in Killarney, has launched a campaign to help people understand the needs of senior pets.

The event, which runs for the full month of September, is launched as statistics indicate a growing number of people are caring for older animals in their home. A recent survey, carried out for Maxi Zoo, shows one in three Irish households has a senior dog, while one in four family cats in Ireland are considered senior.

As part of the initiative, there will be a 20per cent discount during September on selected senior cat and dog products. On Saturday, September 28, all Maxi Zoo stores will hold a senior pet day between 12 noon and 4.00pm, offering customers advice on the best food, toys, snacks and hygiene products for senior pets.

The red carpet treatment for Phoebe at the official opening of the new Maxi Zoo is store at Deerpark Retail Park in Killarney in May. Also included are Catriona Cotter, manager, Killarney store (left) and Suzanna Glinka, Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

Older animals have different needs to younger ones and Maxi Zoo wants to help people understand and plan for this.

For example, dogs reach senior status at different stages, depending on their size:

  • Medium dogs 11-25kg:  senior – 8-10 years
  • Large dogs more than 25kg: senior – 8-9 years
  • Giant dogs more than 50kg: senior – 6-7 years

Meanwhile, cats are generally considered seniors after they turn 10 years old but many vets begin treating cats as seniors from the age of seven onwards.

Maxi Zoo recommends that people caring for senior pets consider regular vet check-ups, senior pet food, suitable diet and exercise, dental care, brain games to keep them stimulated, change their toys and senior proof the home

Anthony Cremin, Head of Marketing at Maxi Zoo Ireland, remarked: “When it comes to pets, we tend to hear a lot about caring for puppies and kittens but less about older animals.

“While every pet has complex needs, this increases as they age and we really want to highlight the importance of ensuring your furry friend has the best diet and care possible in their older years”.

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