As we get older, our joints start to deteriorate. Cartilage doesn’t last forever, and as it wears down with age, the stress our bodies deal with goes up. Bad knees become back problems. Worn-out shoulders mean less arm strength. It’s all just part of getting older—for both you and your dog.

Throughout their lives, we expect our dogs to remember a lot of things. They learn the location and layout of our homes, we teach them commands and tricks, and they remember their favorite toys, places, humans and even words! However, because dogs can’t speak, it’s not as easy to know what’s going on in their heads, or if they’re starting to have trouble remembering things.

From a puppy to a senior, your dog will experience a lot of changes, both physically and mentally, throughout their life. Pet owners should not only be aware of these changes, but they should also know how to best care for their pups at each stage of their lives, so they get the nutrition, exercise and stimulation they need.

At the pet store, you may have noticed the range of cat food options, each targeting a specific ailment or stage of your cat’s life. There’s kitten food, which is nutrient-rich to help kitties grow healthy and strong. There’s adult food, which offers a balanced mix of nutrients. There’s even specialized food for cats with food intolerances, allergies, hairballs and urinary tract issues. And then there’s senior cat food—but what does that do?

As cats age, their bodies endure many changes. They start to slow down, sleep more and might experience more stiffness or pain than they used to. Older cats are also more likely to experience age-related declines in vision and hearing, and their brains might not be as quick as before. Experiencing these changes can be difficult for some cats, and they often need a little assistance from their pet parents to age gracefully and comfortably.

As much as we’d love for our furry friends to stay sprightly and healthy forever, the reality is that cats become more susceptible to health problems as they age. There are many reasons for these complications—general wear and tear on the body, exposure to toxins and a buildup of waste products are among the most common.

If you have a female dog who isn’t spayed, you’re probably familiar with the fact that she goes through a reproductive cycle, which dictates her fertility and her ability to produce puppies. This cycle is somewhat similar to a woman’s, although there are some notable differences.

Humans are keenly aware of our ability to concentrate and think clearly. When we’re experiencing brain fog or poor memory, we know right away. What we don’t always consider is that our dogs experience very similar things, especially as they age.

As our dogs age, their bodies stop working as well as they used to. The joints get stiffer, the brain isn’t as sharp and bodily systems run less efficiently, potentially causing discomfort or bigger health problems.