Senior Pet Care Checklist: How to Support an Older Dog or Cat

There is no universal age at which a pet becomes "senior." Large dog breeds are considered senior at around 6–7 years; small breeds and cats typically at 8–10 years. What matters more than the number is recognising when your individual pet's needs begin to change.

Vet Checkups

Healthy adult pets typically need an annual vet visit. For seniors, twice a year is recommended. This is because age-related conditions — dental disease, arthritis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats, hypothyroidism in dogs — develop gradually and are far more manageable when caught early.

At each senior check, your vet may recommend:

Blood work (kidney, liver, thyroid function)
Blood pressure check
Dental assessment
Urine analysis
Weight and body condition assessment

These tests can feel like a lot if your pet seems healthy. But "seems healthy" and "is healthy" are not the same in an older animal who instinctively masks discomfort.

Mobility and Joint Health

Arthritis is extremely common in older dogs and cats and is significantly underdiagnosed. Signs include:

Reluctance to jump (cats especially)
Stiffness after rest, particularly in the morning
A change in gait (short-striding, favouring a leg)
Reduced activity or interest in walks
Irritability when touched in certain areas

What helps:

Orthopaedic or memory foam bedding — get it off the cold floor
Ramps or steps for access to furniture (if previously allowed)
Non-slip surfaces on hard floors
For dogs: shorter, more frequent walks instead of one long one
Your vet can recommend joint supplements or pain medication appropriate for your pet

Dental Care

Dental disease is almost universal in older pets and directly affects wellbeing. Signs include bad breath, reluctance to eat hard food, drooling, and pawing at the mouth.

A professional dental clean under anaesthetic is often the right solution — modern anaesthetic protocols are safe even for older animals, and untreated dental pain is significant. Discuss with your vet.

Ongoing maintenance: brushing several times a week, dental chews, and water additives.

Weight Monitoring

Older pets commonly go in one of two directions: overweight (reduced activity, same calorie intake) or underweight (reduced appetite, reduced ability to absorb nutrients, underlying illness).

Weigh monthly. Small changes are easier to manage than large ones. A sudden weight loss of more than a few percent warrants a vet visit.

Appetite and Dietary Changes

Reduced appetite in a senior pet should never be waited out for more than a day or two. Causes range from dental pain to nausea, organ disease, or cognitive changes.

Some older pets do well on senior-specific diets formulated for reduced calorie density, easier digestion, or kidney support. Your vet can advise based on blood work.

Cognitive Changes

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome — the pet equivalent of dementia — affects a significant proportion of dogs and cats over 10 years.

Signs include:

Disorientation or appearing "lost" at home
Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more during the day, restless at night)
House soiling in a previously reliable pet
Reduced interaction or apparent confusion
Vocalisation, particularly at night

This is underdiagnosed partly because owners attribute it to "just getting old." It is manageable — there are medications, supplements, and environmental strategies that help — but only if it is recognised.

Home Safety Adjustments

Simple changes that make a real difference:

Night lights in corridors and near the water bowl for pets with reduced vision
Litter boxes with lower entry points for arthritic cats
Raised food and water bowls for dogs with neck or spine stiffness
More frequent bathroom breaks for dogs who can no longer hold as long
Keeping furniture in the same place — pets with declining vision or cognition rely on familiarity

What Has Not Changed

A senior pet still needs:

Consistent daily routine
Appropriate exercise (adjusted for ability, not eliminated)
Social interaction and affection
Mental stimulation — puzzle feeders, brief training sessions, play

The goal of senior care is not just extending life but maintaining quality of it. Most of the changes above are small adjustments to an existing routine — and they make a significant difference to how a pet ages.