Is Your Senior Pet Getting the Care They Need?

Most veterinary guidelines consider dogs senior at 7 years for large breeds and 9 years for smaller breeds, and cats senior at 11 years. Giant-breed dogs (Great Danes, Saint Bernards) reach senior status earlier at 5-6 years. AAHA recommends transitioning to senior wellness protocols (twice-yearly exams, annual bloodwork) when the pet enters their species- and breed-appropriate senior age range.

Gradual changes include reduced energy, slower stairs and play, gray muzzle and coat changes, reduced hearing or vision, and shifts in sleep patterns. More concerning changes include sudden behavior changes, weight loss or gain, increased drinking and urination, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, mobility changes that affect daily life, and any new lumps. The concerning changes warrant a vet visit promptly.

AAHA recommends senior pets be seen for wellness exams twice a year (every 6 months) rather than annually because conditions can develop and progress quickly at older ages. Annual bloodwork is also recommended, since many senior conditions (kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid issues, diabetes) show in bloodwork before they show in symptoms. This is general guidance; your vet may recommend different cadence for your specific pet.

Quality-of-life conversations are appropriate any time you have concerns; they do not need to wait until things are dire. Most vet practices use quality-of-life scales (HHHHHMM, the Five Freedoms framework, or similar) to assess pain, mobility, appetite, hygiene, hydration, happiness, and the balance of good days to bad days. This is one of the most important conversations vets have with senior-pet owners, and most welcome it. Take care of yourself in this process; it is meaningful and tiring work.

Yes. The scorecard scores five care dimensions (vet visit cadence, mobility and comfort, diet adjustments, dental and weight, and daily monitoring), and a vet can respond directly to any dimension flagged as low. AAHA Senior Care Guidelines recommend twice-yearly wellness exams partly because owners often miss early signs of decline between visits. Bringing the scorecard result to your next appointment gives the vet a structured starting point for the wellness conversation rather than a vague "I think something is off."

The clearest emergency signs include difficulty breathing or gasping, collapse or seizure, severe bleeding or trauma, bloated abdomen with unproductive retching (especially in large-breed dogs), inability to urinate (especially in male cats), and suspected poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, medications, certain plants).

Dry food is convenient, shelf-stable, and supports dental wear; wet food is more palatable, more hydrating, and easier for senior pets or pets with dental issues; fresh refrigerated food is high palatability and often higher cost.

For pets eating a complete-and-balanced AAFCO-labeled diet, daily supplementation is often unnecessary.

Most experienced trainers steer first-time owners toward small to medium-sized breeds with moderate energy and known trainability: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichons, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers (with an understanding of their exercise needs), Labradoodles, and many mixed-breed dogs from shelters.

A basic starter list: species- and life-stage-appropriate food (ideally matching what the breeder or shelter has been feeding), bowls, bedding, a carrier or crate, leash and collar or harness with ID tag, age-appropriate toys, a vet visit scheduled within 1-2 weeks, a pet-proofed home, and your emergency vet contact saved.