This course provides veterinary nurses with the knowledge and practical nursing considerations required to care for senior canine and feline patients. Participants will explore the physical and behavioural changes associated with ageing, including mobility impairment, sensory decline, dental disease, reduced thermoregulation, organ function changes and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. The course emphasises low-stress handling, early recognition of age-related disease, appropriate nursing interventions during hospitalisation, pain assessment, and strategies to maintain comfort, quality of life and patient welfare while supporting owners through the ageing process.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the normal physical and behavioural changes associated with ageing in senior dogs and cats.
• Apply appropriate nursing strategies to safely handle, assess and hospitalise senior patients while minimising stress and discomfort.
• Recognise common age-related conditions affecting mobility, sensory function, dental health, thermoregulation and organ function, and identify appropriate nursing interventions.
• Assess behavioural changes in senior patients and distinguish between normal ageing and signs that may indicate pain, disease or cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
• Support the health, comfort and quality of life of senior patients through effective nursing care, monitoring and communication with veterinary surgeons and pet owners.

• 1 AVNAT CPD point