One day you realize they no longer jump onto the sofa, that they sleep more, or that it takes them longer to get up in the morning. It doesn't happen all at once, but it happens. The good news is that with a few changes at home and slightly closer veterinary monitoring, an older dog or cat can continue living very well for many years.
At what age are they considered a senior?
There is no single figure. In dogs, it depends a lot on size: large dogs age faster than small ones. Reference veterinary guidelines describe the senior stage as when a dog enters the last quarter of its estimated life expectancy, which for a giant dog can be around 6 years old, and for a small one, quite a bit later.
In cats, those same guidelines consider them seniors from 10 years old, with a "mature" stage beforehand between 7 and 10. Your vet is the best person to tell you what stage yours is at.
What changes are common
With age, the likelihood of certain problems increases. It doesn't mean they will appear, but it's worth keeping them on your radar:
- Joints: stiffness when getting up, less desire to climb stairs or jump. In cats, this is very easy to overlook because they simply stop climbing to high places.
- Mouth: tartar, bad breath, chewing on one side, or leaving hard kibble behind.
- Sight and hearing: they get startled if you touch them without them seeing you, they don't come when you call, or they bump into things in low light.
- Weight: some seniors gain weight because they move less, while others lose weight for no apparent reason. Both things deserve a consultation.
- Kidneys, heart, and other organs: in older cats, drinking and urinating more than normal is a sign that should be mentioned to the vet.
- Behavior: disorientation, changes in sleep cycles (awake at night, asleep during the day), or having accidents outside their litter box/designated area.
Many of these changes are attributed to "old age" and are left alone, when some have treatment or management options. That is why it is common for the vet to propose more frequent check-ups, often every six months, with tests when deemed appropriate.
Food: adjust, don't change just for the sake of it
Switching to senior food can make sense, but it is not automatic. An older dog that moves little may need fewer calories; an older cat that is losing weight may need just the opposite. The sensible thing is to monitor weight and body condition and decide with your vet, especially if there is any underlying illness.
Other details that help:
- Bowls at a comfortable height if they have trouble bending down.
- Softer food or soaked kibble if they have a sensitive mouth, always after having it checked.
- Easy-to-find water in several spots around the house. In cats, this is especially important; if you have trouble getting them to drink, you have ideas on why your cat drinks little water and how to encourage them.
Adapt your home to their pace
Small changes prevent a lot of daily effort:
- A firm bed with good thickness, away from drafts. Memory foam or orthopedic beds distribute weight better and make it easier to get up.
- Ramps or steps for the sofa, bed, or car trunk, if they are used to getting up there.
- Non-slip floors: rugs in hallways with parquet or tile make a difference.
- For cats, everything within reach: litter box, food, water, and their resting spot on the same floor, and a litter box with a low edge so they don't have to jump.
- Stable routines: older animals, especially if they have worse vision or hearing, orient themselves better if furniture and schedules do not change all the time.
Moving, but at their own pace
An older dog still needs to go out. What changes is the format: shorter and more frequent walks, at a calm pace, avoiding the hottest hours and letting them sniff everything they want—which is also tiring and entertaining. If you notice them limping or refusing to continue, don't insist and mention it.
In cats, short play sessions with wands or light balls at ground level keep them moving without forcing jumps.
The mind needs exercise too. Scent toys, hiding treats, or teaching them a simple trick are good ways to keep them mentally active.
When not to wait for the check-up
There are changes that should be consulted without waiting for the scheduled appointment: they stop eating, lose weight without explanation, drink much more than usual, have difficulty breathing, fall over or seem suddenly disoriented, or show clear signs of pain. In an older animal, acting quickly usually provides more margin.
What they appreciate the most
Patience, a comfortable space, and company. An older animal usually asks for less, but they ask for it more consistently: to sleep comfortably, not having to struggle for the basics, and to continue being a part of what happens at home.
If you are looking for a more comfortable place for them to rest, in our section on beds and rest for dogs you will find flat beds, mattresses, and models with rims, with measurements on each product page to choose the right size.