Golden oldies: How to tell when your pet’s a senior — and how to adapt

Golden oldies

How to tell when your pet’s a senior — and how to adapt

Just like people, pets change with age. But knowing when your pet officially becomes a “senior” can be tricky. No single number applies to every pet, and signs of aging can vary depending on the species, breed, and individual health history. Here’s what to know about identifying the senior stage — and how to care for your aging pet.

 When is a pet considered a senior?

The age when pets are considered seniors depends on their species and size. With dogs, small breeds tend to live longer than large breeds. Small dogs (under 20 lbs) are often considered senior around age 8–10. Large and giant breeds may be considered senior as early as 6–7 years. Cats are generally considered senior at age 10, with “geriatric” often used to describe cats over 15 years old.

Aging shows up differently in every pet, but common signs tend to mirror humans. Think slower movements and stiffness, graying fur, changes in vision or hearing, changes in appetite or drinking habits. Behavior changes may also appear, such as increased anxiety, confusion, restlessness, or changes in sleep patterns.

Common health problems in senior pets

Aging doesn’t mean your pet will automatically develop health problems — but the risk does increase. Common conditions in senior pets include:

• Arthritis and joint stiffness
• Vision or hearing loss
• Dental disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney or liver dysfunction
• Cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia)
• Cancer
• Weight changes, including obesity or unintentional weight loss

Veterinary care for senior pets

Preventive care becomes even more important in pets’ senior years. Many veterinarians recommend wellness exams every six months for senior pets — rather than once a year — so any changes can be detected and addressed early.

Typical recommendations include routine lab work at each visit, weight and body condition assessments, pain management plans, and — again, just like humans — cognitive health monitoring. Some pets may also benefit from nutritional adjustments, joint supplements, or prescription diets tailored to senior health needs.

Supporting your pet at home

Beyond veterinary care, small changes at home can help your senior pet feel more comfortable. We recommend you:

• Provide soft, supportive bedding.
• Use nonslip rugs on slick floors.
• Add ramps or stairs for furniture or vehicles.
• Keep food, water, and litter boxes easily accessible.
• Monitor appetite, mobility, and mood.
• Keep a routine, reduce stress, and avoid rearranging furniture or changing feeding spots, especially if you detect any cognitive dysfunction.
• Feed portion-controlled meals and limit high-calorie treats. Adjust exercise gently as needed.

The most important recommendation, however, is to remain observant and tuned in to your pet. You know them best — and noticing subtle changes early can make a big difference in their quality of life.

Have questions? Onalaska Animal Hospital is just a phone call away: 608-668-6777. BONUS: We’re fluent in ‘pet parent!