Senior Care
What Your Breed Is Most Likely to Die Of
Why it is worth knowing
Every breed has a short list of likely end-of-life conditions, and most are far more manageable when caught early. Knowing yours tells you which senior blood test to insist on, which symptom is urgent rather than ordinary, and roughly what to expect. It is not morbid; it is the difference between a diagnosis at stage one and stage four.
The big ones by type
Giant breeds: bloat, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma. Retrievers: haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Small terriers and toy breeds: mitral valve disease and dental disease. Dachshunds: IVDD. Dobermans: DCM. Cats generally: kidney disease and hyperthyroidism; some pedigrees: cardiomyopathy.
What to actually do with it
From about seven for large breeds and ten for small ones, ask your vet for senior bloodwork including kidney and thyroid values, and blood pressure for cats. Then ask specifically about your breed's known risk. A five-minute conversation once a year buys a lot.
Tracking it at home
Breed-aware reminders and a place to log the markers that matter for your specific dog or cat is exactly what the Ease The Paw community app does, for R50 a month — care prompts based on the breed, not generic advice.
If the day is coming
Ease The Paw coordinates in-home pet euthanasia across South Africa — we find and book the vet, arrange the cremation and handle the keepsakes, so you can simply be present. A flat R950 covers the coordination and your keepsake memorial; the vet and cremation are billed separately at their own rates.
Join the community
Celebrate your pet every day
A gentle, private community for pet lovers: share photos, track their care with our breed-aware coach, and lean on us when the time comes.
Join Ease The Paw