What to Watch For and How to Help
Just like people, our pets experience a kind of “midlife moment” — and it can sneak up on us faster than expected. A dog who used to leap into the car with joy suddenly hesitates. A cat who once chased toys around the house now spends most of the day in a sunny nap spot. These changes aren’t just quirks; they may be early signs of aging that deserve a closer look.
So when exactly is midlife for dogs and cats?
For dogs under 50 pounds, it starts around 10 years of age. For larger dogs, that point comes sooner — around age 6 or 7. Cats hit midlife at about age 7, and are considered seniors by 9. At this stage, many pets begin to show behavioral shifts (grumpiness, less play, clinginess) or physical signs like stiffness, limping, or weight gain.
One of the biggest changes I notice in my pet patients is muscle loss. This is often the first visible sign of aging and impacts everything from strength to metabolism. I’ve seen even very active dogs start to lose muscle tone almost overnight — and that loss affects how they move, feel, and engage with the world around them.
How can we help them through this transition?
Midlife is the time to get serious about joint health, mental stimulation, and most importantly, muscle preservation. That’s why I recommend MYOS PET with Fortetropin — a science-backed, natural muscle-building nutritional supplement derived from raw fertilized egg yolk. Fortetropin helps maintain lean muscle mass and supports energy, giving pets the vitality they need to stay strong and active.
I’ve seen results firsthand with my own cat, Nelson. He’s a senior now, and early kidney disease and aging were causing noticeable muscle loss. After I started adding MYOS PET feline formula as a topper to his food, I saw a clear improvement! He demonstrated better posture, more energy, and more interest in playing again. When it comes to pet longevity, it’s less about trying to reverse time, and more about helping our pets feel more like themselves again.
What else can you do?
Supporting your pet through midlife doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on quality nutrition and supplementing with probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut health, green lipped mussel for joint health, omega-3 for kidney function and Fortetropin (MYOS PET) to preserve muscle and energy.
Most importantly keep your pets moving with daily walks and play, gentle stretches and muscle building exercises, and mental stimulation to support brain health.
Small changes at home, like adding rugs or ramps, can make a big difference. These simple adjustments help your pet stay strong, engaged, and comfortable as they age.
Finally, don’t dismiss new behaviors as just “old age.” Grumpiness or clinginess may be signs of pain or early cognitive decline. You know your pet best — if something feels off, it’s worth investigating and Strut Animal Mobility Specialists are here to help!
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Biography:
Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, is a leader in the field of veterinary sports medicine and physical rehabilitation. As the founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists and a veterinary advisory board member at MYOS PET, she has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of life for animals through her integrative approach, combining nutrition, fitness, and state-of-the-art therapy methods and tools that improve the long-term health, mobility, and well-being of dogs and cats. Her primary focus is to equip pet parents with the knowledge and tools they need to help their animals live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Dr. Fishman specializes in helping animals recover from traumatic injuries and surgeries, excel in canine sports and competitions, and maintain optimal mobility and comfort during every stage of their lives. Through her work, she continues to set new standards in veterinary care, earning her recognition as a trusted leader and advocate for animal health. Dr. Fishman earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, completed her veterinary degree at Ross University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and honed her skills during an internship at the prestigious University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. As a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT), Dr. Fishman has advanced expertise in pain management, mobility, rehabilitation, and sports medicine for animals.
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