Caring for Senior Pets: Adjusting to Their Changing Needs
As our pets grow older, their needs change; sometimes subtly, sometimes quite dramatically. Whether your companion is a sprightly 8-year-old Labrador or a serene 14-year-old cat, knowing how to support their ageing body and mind can greatly improve their comfort and quality of life.
In this guide, we explore the key areas of care for senior dogs and cats: from mobility and nutrition to cognitive health, dental hygiene, and how to make your home more senior-pet friendly. Caring for senior pets means recognising the early signs of ageing and adjusting routines to support them in the years ahead.
Understanding the Ageing Process in Pets
Just like people, pets experience a natural process of ageing that affects their body, behaviour, and daily needs. While there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of when a pet becomes ‘senior,’ most veterinarians agree that small dogs and cats begin to show signs of ageing around 7 years of age, while larger breeds of dogs may be considered senior as early as 5 or 6.
The ageing process varies between species and breeds. Some animals remain spry and energetic well into their twilight years, while others may begin to slow down or show subtle signs of decline earlier on. Ageing brings a higher risk of health concerns such as arthritis, dental issues, cognitive decline, and changes in vision or hearing. These changes can be gradual, making them easy to overlook if you’re not sure what to watch for.
It’s helpful to understand that ageing doesn’t mean suffering, many of these changes can be managed or slowed with the right care. Your senior pet may not be able to run for miles or leap onto high shelves like they once could, but with some adjustments, they can still enjoy a rich, comfortable, and happy life.
Key points to remember:
- Small dogs and cats are typically considered senior at 7+ years.
- Large-breed dogs may be senior from 5–6 years of age.
- Ageing can bring physical, behavioural, and cognitive changes.
- Regular vet care helps detect issues early and keep your pet comfortable.
Vet Care for Senior Pets: Why Regular Check-Ups Matter
As pets get older, their health needs change, and so should their healthcare routines. Regular veterinary check-ups become even more important during the senior years, as age-related conditions often develop slowly and without obvious signs. These check-ups help detect problems early, before they become more serious or difficult to manage.
At Cherrybrook Vet Practice, we recommend wellness exams for senior pets at least every 6 months. This schedule allows your vet to monitor your pet’s overall health, track any changes, and adjust care plans accordingly. These visits often include a physical examination, blood and urine tests, dental checks, and assessments of mobility and cognition.
Common health issues we screen for in older pets include:
- Arthritis or joint degeneration (especially in large-breed dogs and overweight pets)
- Dental disease, which can lead to pain, infection and appetite loss
- Kidney or liver dysfunction, often without early symptoms
- Cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia)
- Tumours or growths, which may be benign or cancerous
Preventative care in the senior years can extend your pet’s life and improve their comfort significantly. Even if your pet seems well, it’s important not to skip these check-ups. Many health issues are much easier to treat when caught early.
Vet tip: Keep a diary of small behavioural or physical changes, such as increased thirst, hesitation when jumping, or restlessness at night. These subtle signs can offer valuable clues to your vet about your pet’s health.
Adjusting Nutrition for Ageing Dogs and Cats
As pets age, their metabolism, appetite, and nutritional needs change. A diet that once kept them thriving in their younger years may no longer offer the right balance for optimal health. Nutritional adjustments for senior pets can help support their immune system, maintain healthy body weight, and manage or even prevent age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and heart issues.
For older dogs, a senior-specific diet typically includes:
- Fewer calories to prevent weight gain due to reduced activity
- Higher-quality protein to support muscle mass without straining the kidneys
- Added omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health
- Antioxidants and vitamins to maintain cognitive function and immune strength
For ageing cats, dietary needs may differ slightly:
- Easily digestible protein to maintain muscle and organ function
- Moisture-rich foods to support kidney health and hydration
- Reduced phosphorus in cases of early-stage kidney disease
- Palatable textures and flavours, as older cats can become pickier or lose some sense of smell
Senior pets may also benefit from supplements, but it’s vital to talk to your vet before adding anything to their diet. Human supplements are not suitable for pets, and the wrong dosage or form can do more harm than good. At Cherrybrook Vet Practice, we can advise on what’s safe and effective, based on your pet’s health history, weight, and current medications.
Proactive nutrition can dramatically improve quality of life. If your older dog or cat is slowing down, gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, or has a dull coat or reduced appetite, a nutritional review is a great place to start.
Nutrition and Weight Management for Senior Pets
As your pet ages, their nutritional needs change, often quite significantly. Senior pets may become less active, lose lean muscle, or experience changes in digestion and metabolism. Providing the right diet is one of the most effective ways to support their long-term health and comfort.
Older dog nutrition should focus on maintaining a healthy weight, preserving muscle mass, and supporting joint and organ health. Many senior dog foods are lower in calories but rich in protein, with added ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants to aid in inflammation control, brain health, and mobility.
Ageing cat health tips also revolve around diet. Senior cats may need foods that are easier to digest, more palatable, and fortified with nutrients that support kidney function, mobility, and coat health. Some older cats have reduced appetite, while others may gain weight due to inactivity, so portion control and regular weigh-ins become essential.
Obesity is a major risk factor for conditions like arthritis in senior pets, diabetes, and heart disease. Yet unintentional weight loss can signal underlying issues like hyperthyroidism or dental disease. That’s why regular check-ins with your vet, along with a tailored feeding plan, are key to keeping your pet healthy and comfortable as they age.
If you’re unsure which food is right for your senior pet, the team at Cherrybrook Vet can help you choose a veterinary-recommended diet tailored to their age, health status, and lifestyle.
Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs and Cats
As pets age, their metabolism slows, their activity levels often decrease, and their bodies begin to process nutrients differently. Older dog nutrition and ageing cat health tips should focus on maintaining an ideal weight, supporting joint health, and promoting digestion and immune function.
Senior-specific pet foods are formulated with adjusted calorie content, easily digestible proteins, and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants. These diets are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of older pets while helping manage or prevent chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Key considerations for senior pet nutrition include:
- Weight management: Overweight pets are more prone to diabetes, arthritis, and organ strain.
- Joint health: Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like those from fish oil) can help reduce inflammation and support mobility in pets with arthritis.
- Digestive health: Added fibre and probiotics may aid gut health in older pets who experience constipation or sensitive stomachs.
- Dental considerations: Softer kibble or wet food may be more comfortable for pets with dental disease or missing teeth.
It’s important not to change your pet’s diet without guidance. Some senior pets have specific dietary restrictions due to conditions like kidney disease or food sensitivities. Cherrybrook Vet can help determine the best nutritional plan for your senior pet’s breed, age, and health status.
Understanding Mobility Changes and Arthritis
One of the most common issues affecting senior pets, especially older dogs and cats, is reduced mobility due to joint degeneration or arthritis. If your dog is slower to rise, reluctant to climb stairs, or your cat stops jumping onto the furniture like they used to, it may not just be age, it could be joint pain.
Arthritis in pets is a progressive, painful condition caused by inflammation of the joints. It can significantly reduce your pet’s quality of life if not managed properly. While it can affect pets of any breed or size, some, like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coon cats, are more genetically predisposed.
Common signs of arthritis in senior pets:
- Limping or stiffness, especially after resting
- Reduced willingness to play or exercise
- Difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or rising from the floor
- Licking or chewing at painful joints
- Behavioural changes like irritability or withdrawal
Early recognition of these signs can make a big difference. Treatments for pet mobility support include:
- Weight management (even small losses can ease joint stress)
- Prescription medications for pain relief
- Physical therapies like hydrotherapy
- Arthritis supplements for dogs and cats, including glucosamine and omega-3s (always check with your vet before use)
At Cherrybrook Vet, we tailor arthritis care plans to suit your pet’s specific needs and comfort levels. We can also recommend safe ways to relieve arthritis pain in pets and improve mobility.
Exercise and Mobility Support for Older Pets
Regular movement remains essential for senior pets, even if they’re not as agile as they once were. Pet mobility support doesn’t mean intense activity, it means keeping joints limber, muscles toned, and minds engaged, all while avoiding injury or overexertion.
For older dogs, gentle walks on soft surfaces, short games of fetch, or low-impact swimming can keep them moving without putting undue stress on ageing joints. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping or long hikes, especially if your dog is showing signs of joint stiffness, limping, or arthritis. Always warm up with a slow walk and keep exercise sessions short and consistent.
Cats, being more independent, may need encouragement to stay active. Try interactive toys, gentle play sessions, or climbing structures with easy-to-access platforms. Laser pointers or feather wands are great for older cats, just make sure activities are safe and not too physically demanding.
For pets with arthritis, a customised exercise plan can help maintain joint function. Options like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and veterinary-guided mobility routines are available and can greatly enhance quality of life. Cherrybrook Vet can also recommend pet-safe ramps, padded bedding, and floor runners to reduce slips and support ageing bodies around the home.
A final note: never give human pain relief to your pet. If your dog or cat shows signs of discomfort, ask Cherrybrook Vet about safe, veterinary-prescribed medications and joint supplements that may help. Remember, every pet is different, and their exercise and mobility needs should be reviewed regularly as they age.
Dental Care for Senior Pets
Dental health is often overlooked in ageing pets, but it plays a crucial role in their overall wellbeing. As pets age, years of plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, pain, and even infections that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Dog dental care and cat dental care should be part of every senior wellness plan. Signs of dental issues in senior pets include:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Red, swollen gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Pawing at the mouth or head shaking
Unfortunately, many pets suffer in silence, so it’s important to have your vet conduct regular dental checks. At Cherrybrook Vet, we can assess whether a professional dental clean is needed and advise on ongoing home care, such as special dental diets, safe chew toys, or brushing routines.
Dog dental care in senior pets may involve more frequent dental check-ups, professional cleaning under anaesthesia, and at-home maintenance such as dental chews, toys, or vet-recommended toothpaste. Older dogs with neglected teeth may avoid eating, favour soft food, or drool excessively. These can be common signs of dental disease that shouldn’t be ignored.
Cat dental care can be more difficult to monitor, as cats tend to hide discomfort. However, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or a sudden refusal to eat dry biscuits can signal dental trouble. Conditions like resorptive lesions (painful holes in the teeth) are more common in older cats and need prompt attention.
Pain from poor dental health can also worsen behavioural signs of ageing, such as irritability or decreased appetite. That’s why maintaining oral health can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort and quality of life in their golden years.
It’s best not to wait until your pet shows signs of dental pain. Preventative care is always the most comfortable and cost-effective option. Regular dental checks at Cherrybrook Vet help catch issues early and keep your pet’s mouth healthy well into their golden years.
Minimising Stress and Anxiety in Older Pets
As pets age, their tolerance to change and stress can diminish. They may become more anxious about being alone, startle more easily, or become distressed during storms, loud noises, or even minor changes in routine. Dementia in old pets can also contribute to confusion, pacing, or altered sleeping patterns.
To reduce anxiety, keep your pet’s environment consistent and calm. Avoid moving furniture unnecessarily, and maintain a predictable daily routine. Provide soft, secure resting areas in quieter parts of the home. Gentle interaction, puzzle feeders, and soothing background noise (like low-volume radio) can help create a sense of comfort.
If your pet seems particularly unsettled, Cherrybrook Vet can assess whether anti-anxiety medication might be appropriate. This is especially helpful for pets with age-related cognitive decline, or those who experience significant distress during certain events (like vet visits, fireworks, or car rides).
Don’t dismiss behavioural changes as “just old age”, they could be a sign of a treatable condition. With the right support, many pets can enjoy calm, contented senior years.
Mobile Vet Visits for Senior Pets
Does your senior pet get stressed travelling to the vet? Older dogs and cats with arthritis, anxiety or mobility issues may struggle with car rides and unfamiliar environments.
At Cherrybrook Vet Practice, we offer a mobile vet van service. This means:
- Vet checkups in the comfort of your home
- Less stress for anxious or frail pets
- More accurate observation of home behaviours
Talk to our team if you’d like to book a house call for your senior dog or cat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Senior Pets
- What are the signs of dementia in dogs and cats?
Signs of dementia (also known as cognitive dysfunction) in pets can be subtle at first. You may notice your dog staring at walls, getting stuck behind furniture, or seeming confused in familiar surroundings. Cats may vocalise more, forget litter box habits, or become disoriented. Other signs include disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, or changes in social interaction. If you’re concerned, speak to us, there are ways to help manage these changes. - What age is considered old for a dog or cat?
It depends on the breed and size. In general, cats are considered senior around age 11, and dogs vary: small breeds are usually seniors from 10–12 years, while large or giant breeds may reach senior status as early as 6–7 years. Your vet can help you determine your pet’s life stage and suggest appropriate care. - Do smaller dogs live longer than large dogs?
Yes, typically. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Miniature Poodles often live 12–16 years or more, while larger breeds, such as Great Danes, may have lifespans of 7–10 years. This difference means that larger breeds often show signs of ageing sooner and may benefit from earlier senior care plans. - How can I help prevent arthritis in my ageing pet?
Prevention starts with healthy lifestyle habits early in life. Keep your pet at a healthy weight, provide regular gentle exercise, and consider veterinary-recommended diets that support joint health. If arthritis symptoms develop, your vet can guide you through the best treatment options, which may include pain relief, mobility support, or lifestyle modifications. - What are the best ways to relieve arthritis pain in pets?
Effective pain management for arthritis often involves a multi-pronged approach. This might include joint-supportive diets or supplements (check with us first), anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, or simple home adjustments like non-slip mats and ramps. Cherrybrook Vet can design a plan that suits your pet’s specific needs and comfort level.
Helping Pets Thrive in Their Golden Years
Caring for senior pets is about more than managing medical conditions, it’s about adapting your care to help your ageing companion enjoy a high quality of life. From nutrition and mobility to mental health and daily comfort, there’s so much we can do to support older dogs and cats through their golden years.
At Cherrybrook Vet Practice, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team can provide expert guidance on everything from weight management and dental care to arthritis support and cognitive changes. Whether your pet is ageing gracefully or showing early signs of slowing down, regular check-ups and early intervention are key.
If you have questions about your senior pet’s health, or you’d like to book a check-up to stay ahead of age-related issues, you can give us a call. Our friendly team at Cherrybrook Vet is always here to help, because every stage of your pet’s life deserves expert care and attention.