Dogs are generally considered senior from around seven years of age, though large breeds age faster and may be considered senior from five or six. Cats typically become senior at ten to twelve years, with many living comfortably into their late teens with appropriate care. Recognising the signs of ageing and adjusting your pet's care accordingly is one of the most important responsibilities of long-term pet ownership — and it pays enormous dividends in quality of life for your animal.

The most significant health change in senior pets is the increased prevalence of chronic conditions including arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (the animal equivalent of dementia). Annual wellness examinations are no longer sufficient for senior pets — biannual vet checks are the standard of care recommended by most veterinarians, as conditions caught early are far more manageable than those that progress undetected. Routine blood panels and urinalysis at each senior wellness visit provide a baseline against which future changes can be compared.

Nutrition changes substantially in the senior years. Senior-specific diets are formulated with adjusted protein, phosphorus, and caloric levels that support ageing organ systems and help maintain healthy body weight. Obesity is a significant welfare concern in older pets, as excess weight accelerates joint degeneration, strains the heart, and worsens insulin resistance. Conversely, some senior pets — particularly cats in advanced age — lose weight despite eating well, often due to hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or dental pain. Any significant weight change in a senior pet warrants veterinary investigation.

Exercise remains important for senior pets but should be adapted to their capabilities. A senior dog may no longer manage the long runs of his youth, but regular gentle exercise — shorter walks more frequently — maintains muscle mass, supports joint health, and provides essential mental stimulation. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for dogs with arthritis. Mental enrichment through puzzle feeders, sniff walks, and gentle training sessions is particularly valuable for senior pets, and there is growing evidence that cognitive engagement slows the progression of cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

The emotional and environmental needs of senior pets also evolve. Older animals often seek warmth more actively and benefit from an orthopaedic or memory foam bed placed in a warm, draught-free location. They may become less tolerant of noise, new animals, or disruptions to routine. Household changes that would barely register for a young pet can cause significant anxiety in a senior one. Approach your senior pet's final years with patience, attentiveness, and the knowledge that the care you provide now is a direct expression of the love that has built over a lifetime together.