By: Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, Veterinary Advisory Member, MYOS PET
A morning walk in the park, a weekend road trip, or a lazy afternoon in your favorite café — your dog or cat has been your constant companion through all your life’s adventures. But as pets reach midlife, their pace can slow. For dogs, midlife usually begins around 6 or 7 years for larger breeds and closer to 10 for smaller ones. Cats age a bit differently. Midlife for them is usually 7 to 9 years. You may notice subtle shifts: a dog that once raced ahead on walks may lag behind, become suddenly picky about food or toys, or less tolerant of younger pups. Cats may become more vocal, clingier, or conversely more independent, spending long stretches in their favorite spots.
To keep middle-aged pets strong and confident, exercise is one of the most important tools. Standard walks are a great start, but adding variety makes a difference. For dogs, agility games, short hikes, or swimming can protect joints while building strength. Cats benefit from interactive play using wand toys, catnip, or even balance boards encouraging stretching, coordination, and mental stimulation. Short massage sessions or daily stretching for dogs, or gentle encouragement for cats to climb or stretch, can help maintain flexibility and comfort.
In addition to exercise and nutrition, social interaction can be a powerful tool for midlife pets. Playdates with familiar canine friends, supervised outdoor exploration for cats, or simply spending quality time together at home can boost mood, reduce stress, and encourage movement.
Travel is another area where midlife pets need thoughtful routines. Dogs may require extra breaks, familiar blankets, and favorite toys, while cats often prefer a quiet carrier with a cozy blanket. Planning stops, short walks, or interactive play along the way can help keep trips stress-free adventures that keep both body and mind engaged.
Just like humans entering midlife, muscle loss is a reality for pets as they age, and it can affect strength, metabolism, and recovery. That’s why, in addition to exercise, I recommend Fortetropin, a natural bioactive protein derived from raw fertilized egg yolks, which can be found in MYOS PET as food toppers. Clinical studies show that Fortetropin supports muscle protein synthesis, helping dogs and cats maintain — and even rebuild — muscle during midlife. It also aids recovery after surgery and reduces frailty, keeping dogs ready for hikes, play, and travel. Cats, while aging differently, benefit from high-quality protein diets and careful monitoring to maintain lean muscle and mobility.
Midlife can also bring subtle changes in behavior — more moodiness, decreased playfulness, or hesitancy to explore. These might be early signs of discomfort or cognitive shifts that deserve attention. Exercise that combines physical movement with mental stimulation helps keep their brains active, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce anxiety. Beyond the basic walk; puzzle toys, scent work, or agility training sessions can keep minds sharp for both dogs and cats.
Midlife isn’t a slowdown; it’s an opportunity to deepen your bond, celebrate your companion’s vitality, and make each adventure memorable. Through exercise, bonding-style playtime, and nutrition, you can help your pet stay happy, healthy, and ready for the next stage of life.
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.
