Royal Canin Emphasizes Importance of Early Aging Care for Pets at Veterinary Symposium in France

Royal Canin, a company dedicated to achieving pet health through nutrition, held its Veterinary Symposium 2026 in Montpellier, France, on April 28 and 29, gathering around 750 veterinary professionals from 80 countries. At the symposium, new research was presented highlighting a critical gap: while healthy aging in pets is achievable through early care, many pet owners do not know when they should act.

According to scientific evidence, pet aging is a gradual biological process that starts earlier than owners might expect, emphasizing the importance of timely monitoring and nutritional management. However, a new consumer survey by Royal Canin found that 38% of pet owners believe nothing can be done about their pet's aging, and 44% only become aware of it when a health problem arises. Furthermore, one in four (25%) did not recognize that diseases like diabetes could be a risk for aging pets.

These findings come at a crucial time, as many pets acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic are now entering what is considered their "middle age." As pets get older, owner focus is shifting from merely extending lifespan to prolonging "health span"—the period of healthy, high-quality life before age-related diseases and decline begin.

Under the theme "Opening the door to the future," the symposium brought together experts to explore how to achieve earlier, more proactive care and to consider the future of veterinary medicine. Dr. Tania Schumann, a cat health specialist at Royal Canin, stated, "Science gives us real hope. If we act at the right time, we can achieve healthier aging. It's about getting the right knowledge to pet owners."

Silvia Millette-Catalan, VP of Global R&D at Royal Canin, commented, "Nutrition plays a key role in supporting healthy aging. By focusing on the optimal nutritional balance for each life stage, we help veterinarians proactively support pets long before visible signs of aging appear."