India, June 8 -- As our parents grow older, we learn to care for them differently, with more patience, more gentleness, and a deeper sense of responsibility. But there's another kind of family member who often ages quietly in the background: our pets.

While many pet parents are quick to learn how to care for playful pups and curious kittens, older pets are often left out of the conversation. The truth is, they need just as much love, if not more. Pets age far quicker than we do. A dog or cat can enter their senior years as early as seven, depending on breed and size, and with those years come subtle shifts in health, behaviour, and emotional needs. (Also read: Diabetes and hypertension in pets: Nutritionist shares guide to prevent these ...