When our companion starts to go grey, their needs change. Senior dog and cat care is the best way to make that stage, which can last many years, comfortable, healthy and happy. Understanding what happens to a senior pet and adapting in time makes an enormous difference to their quality of life.
From a certain age we talk about a senior animal; it is worth knowing what physical and behavioural changes to expect and why veterinary check-ups and early detection are so important during this phase.
From what age is a dog or cat considered senior?
There is no single age: it depends on the species and, above all, on size and breed. It is a rough guide, since every animal ages at its own pace. Generally speaking, cats are considered senior from 10-11 years of age, while in dogs the moment varies greatly according to their adult weight: large breeds age sooner than small ones.
| Type of pet | Approximate "senior" age |
|---|---|
| Small dog (under 10 kg) | From 10-11 years |
| Medium dog (10-25 kg) | From 8-9 years |
| Large or giant dog (over 25 kg) | From 6-7 years |
| Cat | From 10-11 years |
What matters is not the exact figure, but understanding that a 7-year-old large dog or an 11-year-old cat already needs closer monitoring than a young animal.
Physical and behavioural changes in the senior pet
Ageing is a natural process that becomes noticeable little by little. Recognising these signs helps us anticipate them and not mistake them for mere "old age" when they actually conceal a treatable illness.
Most common physical changes
- Thinner coat, grey hairs on the muzzle and less elastic skin.
- Loss of muscle mass and, sometimes, of sight or hearing.
- Greater stiffness when getting up and less inclination to jump or run.
- A tendency to become overweight due to reduced activity, or the opposite: unexplained weight loss.
Behavioural changes
A senior pet may sleep more, become more withdrawn or, on the contrary, more demanding. Lapses, disorientation or changes in routine may also appear. Maintaining a healthy weight is key at this stage; if you notice your animal has put on weight, you may find our guide on obesity in dogs and cats useful.
Veterinary check-ups and blood tests: the key in this stage
With young animals we usually visit the vet once a year. For seniors we recommend more frequent check-ups, ideally every six months. The reason is simple: the sooner we detect a problem, the more options we have to control it.
In the senior pet, the sooner a problem is detected, the more options there are to control it: that is why we recommend check-ups every six months, compared with the annual visit for young animals.
These check-ups often include blood and urine tests, blood pressure monitoring and, depending on the case, imaging tests. A subtle change in a laboratory value can alert us to kidney or liver disease long before obvious symptoms appear. For a comprehensive assessment of the senior patient, our veterinary internal medicine team coordinates these tests and their interpretation.
“Age isn't an illness. With tailored check-ups, your senior pet can enjoy a full, comfortable old age.”
Senior nutrition, mobility and dental health
An adapted diet
A senior diet is formulated for a less active animal: it provides quality protein, controls calorie intake to prevent excess weight and usually includes nutrients that look after the joints and kidney function. Changing the food should always be done with veterinary guidance and gradually.
Mobility and osteoarthritis
Stiffness, difficulty getting onto the sofa or limping are very common in the senior pet and are often due to osteoarthritis. We should not assume that "it's normal because they're old": joint pain can be treated. If your dog limps or moves with difficulty, our articles on canine osteoarthritis and on what to do if your dog limps will help.
Dental health
Tartar and periodontal disease build up over the years and can cause pain, bad breath and even affect organs such as the heart or kidneys. Checking your senior pet's mouth and maintaining their dental hygiene is part of good senior care.
Cognitive decline and early detection of illness
Like people, older animals can develop cognitive decline (sometimes called cognitive dysfunction syndrome). It manifests as disorientation, changes in the sleep cycle, reduced interaction or "forgetting" learned habits. Detecting it early makes it possible to apply guidelines and, on occasion, treatments that slow its progression.
Early detection is, without doubt, the great goal of this stage. In older cats, chronic kidney disease is very common and silent: it is worth watching whether they drink or urinate more than usual and reviewing our guide on kidney disease in cats in depth. The risk of tumours and heart problems also increases, and these are often only discovered with imaging tests such as veterinary ultrasound and echocardiography.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I take my senior pet to the vet?
The recommendation is a check-up every six months, compared with the annual visit for young animals. These visits usually include blood tests to detect kidney, liver, hormonal or heart problems in good time, before they produce clear symptoms.
Is it normal for my older dog or cat to sleep much more?
Sleeping more is common in the senior pet, but a sudden change in rest, disorientation or loss of interest may indicate pain, cognitive decline or another illness. It is worth mentioning at the next check-up to rule out treatable causes.
Should I change my pet's food when they become senior?
In most cases it is advisable to switch to a senior diet, adapted to a less active animal and to their joints and kidneys. The change should be made gradually and, always, after assessing your pet's specific state of health with your vet.
Care for every stage of your companion's life at Clínica Veterinaria Somo
Your pet's old age can be a full stage of life if you accompany it with the right care and timely check-ups. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo, in Cantabria, we design personalised monitoring plans for senior dogs and cats. Book your appointment through our contact page or call us on 942 51 00 66 and we will take care of your companion at every moment of their life.
