Updated 18/12/2023
From their ability to always make us laugh to their endless love, loyalty, care and affection, it’s true: pets give so much to us throughout their lives. So, as your pet reaches their senior years, it only seems right that we think of the ways we can give back to them, right?
Caring for a senior pet is an important step in every pet parent's journey, and as our pets grow and change with age, so do their needs. So, we wanted to share some of the ways you can help your senior pet stay happy and healthy — and how to help make their twilight years their best yet.
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At what age does a pet become 'senior'?
Of course, the first step in knowing how to care for a senior pet is knowing exactly when your pet becomes a senior.
Typically, cats are considered senior when they reach 11 years of age. For dogs, it tends to vary by their size — according to the American Kennel Club, small dog breeds (such as Chihuahuas) are considered senior by the time they reach 7-10 years old, while larger breeds (such as Great Danes) are considered senior by about the age of 6. This is because larger dogs typically have a shorter life span, and so age quicker than their small breed counterparts.
If you need help figuring out your pet’s age we’ve crafted this useful guide to figure out how old your dog is and this cat years to human years guide.
How to care for a senior pet
1. Feed them the right diet
As your pet grows older, their nutritional needs change, so you’ll need to make sure you’re feeding them the right age-appropriate food.
Most brands of pet food will cater for pets at every stage of their life, from puppy or kittenhood straight through to their golden years. As well as making sure your fluffy friend is getting all the right nutrients, senior pet foods are often lower in calories and fat, which is particularly important as a pet ages and their activity levels decline.
Older pets can sometimes develop certain health-related conditions, which may also affect the type of foods they should and shouldn't be consuming. For example, OAPs (Old-Age Pups) are more at risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, so for these dogs it's important to feed them a diet tailored to their needs and reward them with delicious diabetic dog treats made especially for them! If your pet has a specific condition, always check with your vet about what the right food is for them.
2. Give them regular, gentle exercise
It’s inevitable that as your pet gets older, their activity levels will decline. After all, you can't keep up that puppy energy forever!
Older dogs and cats can suffer from stiff joints, particularly in the mornings, and arthritis is common among senior animals. Regular, gentle exercise is key here, but remember to always go at your pet’s pace and to never push past their comfort levels, as this can overexert them and leave them feeling sore.
Some senior pets may also benefit from additional physiotherapy or hydrotherapy sessions. If you’re concerned about your pet’s joints or mobility, speak to your vet to see if this (or any other treatments, like anti-inflammatory painkillers) could be beneficial to your pet.
3. Provide some mental stimulation
The saying goes that a healthy mind equals a healthy body, and the same is true for your pet! As pets grow older, keeping their mind sharp and engaged is key to their overall wellbeing. And the good news is, there are lots of fun ways to do this!
Most pets are food-motivated, so games of hide-and-seek using treats, food stuffers (like a KONG Senior) and food puzzle games are just a few great ways you can help keep your pet mentally stimulated. As well as keeping your pet’s mind razor-sharp, it’ll be fun for both you and your pet as they navigate these snout-scratching activities!
Remember, as pets get older, their cognitive function can decline. If you notice your pet suddenly seems disinterested, despondent or confused, consult your veterinary practice as soon as possible for help and advice.
4. Give them lots of extra time, love and care
Ageing is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean seeing your beloved pet grow old is an easy process. Spending quality time and making the most of your furry best friend is now more important than ever.
So, spend time doing what you both love doing best! Whether that’s exploring a new park together, cuddling up on the sofa for a dog massage or playing a game in the garden. As well as creating precious memories for you, it’ll give your pet the one thing they want most: being close and spending quality time with their favourite human (psst, that’s you!).
5. Schedule in some extra grooming
As your pet gets older, they may have difficulty or be less inclined to groom themselves as much as they did in their younger years. You may also notice that their fur is becoming less shiny, or they may be suffering from flaky skin.
Scheduling in regular grooming sessions at home, including regular brushing, will help with this. You may also need to bathe your pet more regularly, particularly if they have any bathroom-related accidents or suffer from incontinence.
Regular trips to the groomers will also help keep your pet’s claws trimmed and in tip-top condition, and their coats healthy and shiny.
Always speak to your vet if you notice any changes in your pet’s condition, it could indicate an underlying health issue that needs addressing. For example, lack of grooming in cats can indicate underlying arthritis which may make bending to groom tricky.
6. Senior pet-proof your home
From stiff joints that make it difficult to jump or climb stairs, to poor eyesight and hearing, there are many things that can affect how your senior pet navigates its home.
If your pet loves sleeping on the furniture, why not build them some DIY pet stairs or a ramp to help them get to their favourite cosy spots? You can also set up soft and comfortable bedding for your pet to enjoy downstairs if climbing the stairs is becoming difficult. Or, place their food and water bowls in a raised pet bowl holder, to make eating and drinking a little easier.
Ultimately, try to design your home space with your pet's safety and comfort in mind.
7. Double up your vet visits
All pets will benefit from a yearly check-up at the vets, but this is particularly important for senior pets who are more prone to illness and ailments, and have an increased risk of things like back problems and dental issues.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that senior animals see a vet once every six months. This will give your vet the chance to spot and treat any potential health issues sooner rather than later.
As well as regular vet appointments, make sure your pooch is sitting at a normal dog temperature and weight.
Elderly pet care tips from pet parent and super sitter, Karen
Hear from Karen Schuppert - global house and pet super sitter with over 50 sits under her belt - and pet mumma to her beloved 17-year-old dog, Aussie, over on our community forum.
“The first thing that comes to mind is patience. In the early years dog walks can be considered fitness for both parties and those outings could be fairly brisk.
Eventually things tend to slow down so it’s important to just ‘take time to smell the flowers.’ You can then enjoy leisurely ‘sniffing strolls,’ letting the pups gauge the pace.
I’ve also found a shift in sleep patterns with both cats and dogs. Always personality dependent, many furry friends rely on cuddles and naps on laps.
They may sleep for hours on end but awake time is equally as important for more frequent potty breaks.
And last but definitely not least, if the senior is still able to ‘play,’ try to get creative with a few brain games, like putting treats in a maze dish, or simple hide and seek.”
Remember, if you suspect your pet or a pet under your care is unwell or deteriorating in health, consult a vet immediately. This includes looking out for any changes in your pet, such as changes in their eating or drinking habits, mobility, toilet training and/or the passing of urine or faeces, or if you notice a change in their usual disposition or behaviour.
Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca
This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!
Frequently asked questions about senior dogs
The dietary requirements of an older dog are different from those of a puppy. As for senior dogs, it’s recommended to feed them twice a day - basically a two-meal-a-day schedule. Ideally, those meals should be one in the morning and the other one in the evening. However, if you’ve got any concerns regarding feeding a senior dog, ask your vet and they’ll be able to tell you what’s best for your pooch.
It’s never too late to crate train an older dog, even if they lived their entire lives without coming near one. Take it slowly and go step by step, as dogs of any age will need some time to adjust to being confined inside of a kennel. Whether you need them to get used to the crate so you can transport them safely in the car or they need to go to the vets, be patient and caring and your senior dog will get used to a kennel crate in no time.
Older pets can have health problems like weight gain and arthritis but also a weakened immune system or decreased cognitive function. A good diet adapted to their ageing needs can help delay some of these ailments that typically happen as dogs get older.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question but it’s good to know that when picking food for mature pets you should make sure the protein is of the highest quality, as older dogs may struggle with absorbing nutrients. Other than that, depending on your pooch, you should always check with your vet. That is because while some dogs will need fewer calories because they’ll gain weight due to less activity when they are older, others will lose weight and shouldn’t actually be cutting back on calories.
Yes. No matter the age, your older dog will need a year-round medicine to prevent parasites. Speak to your veterinarian and they’ll advise the best treatment for them.
Just like some older people, senior dogs sleep much more than their younger counterparts. The amount of hours older dogs can sleep varies between 14 to up to 20 hours a day, you can find out more about dog sleeping patterns here. There are no guidelines, but pay attention to your senior dog’s sleeping patterns, make sure they are comfortable and check with a vet if you’re concerned.
Frequently asked questions about senior cats
Senior cats are those aged between 11 and 14 years old. Cats older than 15 years old are defined as super-senior, or geriatric.
Although there can be exceptions, most senior cats will need to consume the same calories as an adult cat, as long as they are healthy. That is, between 280 and 360 calories a day, depending on their normal lean weight and activity levels. There may be exceptions to this, as each senior cat is different but, roughly, you should feed them twice a day.
If your elderly moggy has started doing their business outside the litter box, it can be because they have some sort of medical issue - like arthritis, kidney disease or diabetes. It could also be that they are stressed, or that due to age they can’t easily hop in and out. Keep track of your senior cat's toilet behaviour and share your notes with your vet. They’ll be able to help.
There can be many reasons why your senior cat is sleeping in the litter box. It may be due to them just picking that spot but sometimes the behaviour could indicate a potential health problem and you should check with your vet.
Sometimes cats sleep in their litter boxes when they are highly stressed - like when you’ve moved to a new home. Other times, they may want the privacy of the litter box; they may be marking their territory, or maybe they just think it’s comfy. However, your cat laying in the litter box could also indicate that they are uncomfortable or sick. Cats with kidney disease, urinary tract infections, constipation, or any other digestive issues may choose to sleep there.
Got your own senior pet tips to share? Head over to our Community Forum and post your thoughts and share advice with our like-minded community.
If you're heading off on vacation soon, why not keep your pet happy at home with an in-home pet sitter? In-home pet sitters are a great choice for senior pets while their pet parents are away, as it keeps them in their usual routines and in the one place they feel truly relaxed — their own home!
