Caring for senior dogs and cats

Thanks to better care, pets are living longer than ever. Older pets need a little more attention, but their golden years can be some of their happiest.

When is a pet "senior"?

• Large and giant dogs: from about 6–7 years
• Small dogs: from about 10–12 years
• Cats: "mature" from 7, senior from 11 and "super-senior" from 15. Cats commonly live into their late teens, and some pass 20.

Old age isn't an illness

It's easy to put changes down to "just getting old", but many have treatable causes. See your vet if you notice:

• Drinking or urinating more (possible kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems)
• Weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite
• Stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs (often arthritis — which is very treatable)
• Confusion, night-time restlessness, changes in sleep
• Bad breath or difficulty eating
• New lumps

Many vets offer senior health checks every six months, including blood and urine tests that pick up problems early.

Keep them slim

Extra weight makes arthritis much more painful. Older pets usually need fewer calories; a senior diet can help.

Adapt your home

• Rugs or runners on slippery floors give grip.
• Ramps or steps help with sofas, beds and cars.
• Baby gates on stairs prevent falls.
• Raise food and water bowls for stiff dogs.
• For older cats, provide a low-sided litter tray, and food, water and beds that don't require jumping.

Exercise and enrichment

Keep walks shorter, gentler and more frequent — older dogs still need them. Gentle brain games, like scent searches and food puzzles, keep minds active without straining joints.

Grooming

Older cats groom less, and their claws can overgrow into the paw pads — check them every couple of weeks (see nail trimming). Regular brushing helps with matted coats.

Comfort matters most

Warm, padded beds away from draughts, a predictable routine and plenty of gentle attention go a long way. Talk to your vet about pain relief if your pet seems uncomfortable — older pets often hide pain.