Looking after your senior pet

Just like when they were puppies and kittens, caring for your pet as they enter their twilight years requires patience and a little extra care. As they slow down, you and your family will need to adjust your lifestyle and sometimes your expectations.

But senior pets have lots of love to give and a lot of life to live – they might just need a little more help to stay comfortable and pain-free.

When is my pet considered “senior”?

Cats and dogs age differently depending on their size and breed, but in general small dogs are considered senior from around six to seven years old. Larger dogs are senior from five to six years old. Cats are typically considered senior from around eight to 10 years old.

Using our Pet Age Calculator to understand your friend’s life stage and changing needs.

Common health conditions in senior pets

As our pets age, they are more likely to develop a range of health conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, dental disease, kidney disease, cancer and cognitive decline.

While there is some overlap, certain conditions are more common or look differently in dogs and cats.

Dogs

• Arthritis: especially in larger dog breeds, affecting mobility and comfort
• Heart disease: often related to valve problems, such as mitral valve disease
• Dental disease: very common and can lead to pain, infection and difficulty with eating if untreated
• Cancer: one of the leading causes of death in older dogs
• Cognitive decline: look for confusion, restlessness or changes in sleep patterns

Cats

• Arthritis: common but often under-recognised, as cats tend to hide pain
• Heart disease: more commonly affects the heart muscle (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
• Kidney disease: one of the most common conditions in older cats, often developing slowly over time
• Dental disease: also very common, often with more subtle signs like reduced grooming or reduced appetite
• Cognitive decline: may present as increased vocalisation, confusion or changes in behaviour

Many age-related conditions develop gradually, making regular six-monthly check-ups essential for early detection.

How to care for a senior pet

Supporting your pet through their golden years doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

Nutrition and weight management

As pets age, their dietary needs change. Senior pets benefit from a balanced, age-appropriate diet that’s easy to digest, low in calories, high in fibre, and rich in protein. This helps maintain muscle mass and supports overall health.

Because older pets are often less active, they can gain weight more easily. Even small amounts of excess weight can strain joints and organs. Specially formulated senior diets also contain balanced minerals to support kidney and heart health.

Most pets should transition to senior food at:

• Around 7 years (cats and small/medium dogs)
• Around 6 years (dogs over 25kg)

Learn more about choosing the right diet for your senior dog or senior cat.

Preventative care and vet visits

Preventative care remains essential at every age. This includes:

• Vaccinations
• Flea, tick and worming treatments
• Dental care (daily brushing where possible)

Senior pets should visit the vet every six months (or more often if needed). Routine screening tests can uncover underlying issues before they become more serious. With the Best for Pet Wellness Plan, annual blood and urine testing is included alongside unlimited consults, helping you stay on top of your pet’s health and identify conditions early, so your vet can create a tailored care plan.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Regular, low-impact exercise can help maintain mobility and muscle strength as your pet ages. For dogs, this might include short walks, swimming, or gentle play sessions, while cats may benefit from brief playtime or even short, supervised walks on a lead.

Keeping their mind active is just as important. Interactive toys, treats, and puzzle feeders can help maintain engagement, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Grooming and hygiene

Regular grooming is especially important for older pets, particularly cats with mobility issues who may struggle to groom themselves. Routine brushing helps prevent painful matting while keeping their coat and skin healthy. It also creates a valuable opportunity to bond with your pet and check for any lumps, sores, or changes.

Clothing and bedding

As pets age, they can find it harder to regulate their body temperature. Depending on their breed and size, a jumper or coat can help keep them warm and comfortable.

Senior pets also tend to rest more, so it’s worth upgrading their bedding to something soft, well-cushioned, and easy to access. Adding familiar comforts like soft blankets or an old T-shirt can help them feel secure and relaxed.

Hearing and vision

As pets age, changes in hearing and vision are common. If your pet’s hearing is declining, try not to startle them, approach gently, and let others, especially children, know to avoid coming up from behind.

If their eyesight is worsening, keep their environment as consistent as possible. Senior pets rely on familiarity and routine, and can navigate well when their surroundings remain unchanged.

Adjustments to your home

Small changes can make a big difference to your pet’s comfort. Things like adding ramps and steps to access cars, couches and beds. Place non-slip tape or mats on stairs and surfaces that are tricky for older pets to grip. Provide multiple water bowls around your home for easy access, and plenty of low, supportive bedding. Let your pet sleep inside in the colder months and maintain warmer temperatures indoors in winter.

Monitoring quality of life

As your pet ages, it’s important to regularly assess their comfort and quality of life. Subtle changes in behaviour, mobility or habits can signal that they need additional support.

Your vet can help you develop a long-term care plan and guide you through more complex decisions, including end-of-life care when the time comes.