Maxi Zoo launches campaign aimed at caring more for older pets

Maxi Zoo, Ireland’s largest pet specialty retailer, which is based in Tipperary at the Poppyfields Retail Park in Clonmel has launched a campaign this September to help people understand the needs of senior pets. 

The Senior Pet Event, which runs for the full month, is launched as statistics indicate a growing number of people are caring for older animals in their home. A recent ‘Pet Owners in Ireland’ 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 20% discount during September on selected senior cat and dog products. On Saturday September 28th, all Maxi Zoo stores will hold a Senior Pet Day between 12pm and 4pm, offering customers advice on the best food, toys, snacks and hygiene products for senior pets. 

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 – 25kg> – senior 8 - 9 years

• Giant dogs– 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 the following: 

• Regular vet check-ups

• Senior pet food

• Suitable diet and exercise

• Dental care 

• Brain games to keep your pet stimulated

• Change their toys

• Senior proof your home

Anthony Cremin, Head of Marketing at Maxi Zoo Ireland said: “When it comes to pets, we tend to hear a lot about caring for puppies and kittens, but less about older animals. While we’re predominantly a nation of dog owners, a high percentage of households in Ireland also have cats, and increasingly we’re seeing customers with exotic birds and rabbits.

“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. We hope that by putting a spotlight on this cohort of animals, through our Senior Pet Event, we can support their owners on their journey.”

For more information on caring for a senior pet or to find your local store, visit maxizoo.ie/seniorpetevent