Sensory Decline: Real-World Tactics for Managing Vision and Hearing Loss

Sensory decline, particularly vision and hearing loss, is nearly universal in aging dogs and cats yet remains underrecognized in general practice. These changes are often mistaken for cognitive dysfunction or normal aging, but they significantly affect quality of life, behavior, and the human-animal bond. This review provides busy clinicians with practical, evidence-based strategies for identifying and managing sensory decline, including screening approaches, diagnostic tools, and real-world management tactics. Emphasis is placed on proactive care, client education, and the interplay between sensory loss and cognitive dysfunction to improve outcomes for senior patients.