Pets age faster than we do, and the changes can be subtle. Knowing what to watch for — and when to adjust their care — makes a real difference in how comfortable and healthy they stay in their later years.
Senior pets don't need less veterinary care — they need more. Twice-yearly exams let us catch changes early, when they're most treatable.
When is a pet considered "senior"?
The answer depends on species and size. Cats are generally considered senior at age 10–11. Small dogs (under 20 lbs) reach senior status around age 10–12. Medium dogs (20–50 lbs) around age 8–10. Large and giant breeds age faster — a Great Dane may be considered senior at 6–7 years.
These are guidelines, not rules. Some 12-year-old dogs are remarkably healthy; some 7-year-olds have significant age-related disease. We assess each patient as an individual.
What changes with age?
Aging affects nearly every body system. Some changes are visible; many are not. Common age-related conditions we screen for include arthritis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (cats), hypothyroidism (dogs), diabetes, dental disease, cognitive dysfunction, and cancer.
Behavioral changes are often the first sign something is wrong. Sleeping more, drinking more water, changes in appetite, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, confusion or disorientation at night — these are worth mentioning at your next visit.
- Drinking or urinating more than usual — kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing's disease
- Weight loss despite normal appetite — hyperthyroidism (cats), diabetes, cancer
- Stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs — arthritis
- Confusion, disorientation, or changes in sleep patterns — cognitive dysfunction
- Lumps or bumps — many are benign, but all should be evaluated
- Changes in coat quality — thyroid disease, nutritional deficiency, or skin conditions
Why twice-yearly exams matter
We recommend wellness exams every 6 months for senior pets. A year in a senior dog's life is equivalent to 5–7 human years — a lot can change. Twice-yearly exams allow us to catch disease earlier, when treatment options are broader and outcomes are better.
Senior wellness visits typically include a physical exam, bloodwork (complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid), urinalysis, and blood pressure measurement. These give us a baseline and let us track trends over time.
Senior wellness bloodwork: Many serious conditions — kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disease — show no outward signs in early stages. Bloodwork is the only way to detect them before they become advanced. We recommend annual bloodwork starting at age 7 for most pets, and twice-yearly for pets over 10.
Keeping senior pets comfortable
Arthritis is extremely common in older pets and is frequently undertreated because pets hide pain well. Signs include reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, changes in gait, or irritability when touched. Effective management options include prescription anti-inflammatories, joint supplements, weight management, physical therapy, and newer options like Librela (dogs) and Solensia (cats) — monthly injections that target the pain pathway directly.
Diet matters more in senior pets. Caloric needs often decrease with age, but protein requirements may increase. Kidney disease requires dietary phosphorus restriction. Dental disease affects appetite and nutrition. We'll help you choose a diet appropriate for your pet's specific conditions.
Schedule a senior wellness visit
If your pet is 7 or older and hasn't had a wellness exam in the past 6 months, it's time. Book a senior wellness visit and we'll do a thorough assessment — physical exam, bloodwork, and a conversation about what's normal for your pet's age and what to watch for at home.
