If your dog or cat is entering their senior years, you may have noticed subtle changes — a little slower on walks, more time sleeping, perhaps a touch stiffer getting up in the morning. These changes are natural, but they're also signals worth paying attention to.
At Paws & Co Veterinary Centre in Tingley, we see a growing number of older pets whose owners want to give them the best possible quality of life in their later years. With the right support, many senior dogs and cats remain active, comfortable, and happy well into old age.
When Is a Pet "Senior"?
There's no universal answer — it depends on species and size. As a general guide:
- Small dogs (under 10kg): senior from around 10–12 years
- Medium dogs (10–25kg): senior from around 8–10 years
- Large and giant breeds: senior from as young as 6–7 years
- Cats: generally considered senior from 10–11 years, geriatric from 15+
Common Health Changes in Older Pets
🦴 Arthritis & Joints
One of the most common and underdiagnosed conditions. Signs include reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, and slowing on walks. Modern pain management has improved enormously.
🫘 Kidney Disease
Particularly prevalent in older cats. Increased thirst, weight loss, and reduced appetite are common signs. Caught early through blood tests, it can often be managed for months or years.
🧠 Cognitive Dysfunction
Similar to dementia in humans — disorientation, altered sleep patterns, reduced interaction. Supplements and medications can help slow progression.
Dental Disease
Dental problems tend to compound with age. Regular dental checks are especially important for older pets, as pain from dental disease can significantly affect quality of life.
Cancer
The risk of cancer increases with age in both dogs and cats. Regular health checks give us the best chance of detecting lumps, unusual changes, or systemic signs early.
Caring for Your Senior Pet at Home
- Switch to a life-stage appropriate food designed for senior pets
- Maintain gentle, regular exercise — shorter, more frequent walks work well for older dogs
- Provide orthopaedic bedding and ramps to reduce joint strain
- Keep the environment predictable — older pets respond poorly to disruption
- Groom more regularly — older pets may struggle to self-groom
We recommend senior pets are seen at least twice yearly. A lot can change in six months, and routine blood work allows us to catch developing kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, and other conditions well before they become serious. Our Companion and Companion Plus plans include discounted consultations to make this easier.
Book a Senior Pet Health Check
We recommend senior pets are seen at least twice yearly. Book in with our team for a thorough health assessment — we can check for arthritis, kidney disease, dental problems, and much more in a single visit.