Caring for your senior dog
Ageing is a normal, gradual process — not a disease. But older dogs develop conditions like arthritis, dental disease and organ changes that are easier to manage when caught early. There's no single 'senior' age: large breeds age faster than small ones. The key is twice-yearly vet checks and not dismissing new signs as 'just getting old'.
- AAHA defines 'senior' as roughly the last quarter of a dog's expected lifespan — so it varies hugely by size and breed.
- Twice-yearly exams with screening bloodwork help catch slow-developing disease early.
- Common issues: arthritis, dental disease, weight change, cognitive decline, and organ or heart changes.
- New signs deserve a check, not a shrug — and avoid blanket supplements without veterinary advice.
When is a dog 'senior'?
There's no universal age. The 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines describe 'senior' as roughly the last 25% of a dog's estimated lifespan through end of life. Because lifespan varies with size and breed, a giant-breed dog may be senior by 6–7 years while a small-breed dog isn't until 10–12. Your vet will place your individual dog on the right life-stage timeline.
Changes you may notice
Ageing dogs commonly show: reduced mobility or stiffness (often arthritis), changes in weight or body condition, dental tartar, bad breath or sore gums, changes in appetite, thirst or toileting, altered sleep or behaviour, cloudy eyes or reduced hearing and vision, new lumps, or coat and skin changes. Signs of cognitive decline — disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles, house-soiling, changed interactions, or anxiety — are recognised in dogs and can often be helped, especially when addressed early.
Preventive veterinary care
For senior dogs, AAHA recommends at least semiannual (twice-yearly) exams, with screening tests such as bloodwork and urinalysis to establish baselines and spot trends before your dog looks unwell. These visits also review weight, dental health, mobility, parasite prevention and behaviour together. Keeping a record of what you notice at home — a short video of a limp, a note on drinking or sleep — genuinely helps your vet.
Home and lifestyle
Small changes help older dogs: keep them lean (excess weight strains ageing joints), provide non-slip flooring and ramps instead of stairs or jumps, maintain gentle, regular exercise suited to their ability, and keep up dental care. Nutrition may need adjusting for changing needs, but the right diet depends on the individual — let your vet's exam and any bloodwork guide it rather than switching on a hunch.
Heat is harder on older dogs — walk in the cooler parts of the day, provide shade and fresh water, and watch for overheating. Firm access to a vet who can run senior bloodwork matters, so ask your clinic what senior wellness checks they offer. As elsewhere, keep parasite prevention going year-round in warm conditions.
Helpful habits — and what to avoid
Do
- Book twice-yearly vet checks and keep vaccinations and parasite control current.
- Keep your dog lean and provide gentle, regular exercise.
- Make the home senior-friendly: ramps, non-slip mats, raised bowls if advised.
- Keep up dental care and watch for mouth pain.
- Write down and report new signs — mobility, thirst, sleep, behaviour.
Don't
- Assume new signs are 'just old age' — many are treatable.
- Start supplements or joint products without veterinary advice.
- Give human painkillers for stiffness — several are toxic to dogs.
- Let weight creep up; obesity worsens arthritis and other disease.
- Skip check-ups because your dog 'seems fine' — early disease is often silent.
Signs that need a vet — not a shrug
Ageing is normal, but these changes deserve prompt veterinary attention.
- Increased drinking or urination, or new accidents in the house
- Weight loss, or a drop in appetite
- New or worsening limping, stiffness or difficulty rising
- A new lump, a bad mouth smell, or difficulty eating
- Disorientation, night-time restlessness, or marked behaviour change
- Coughing, laboured breathing or reduced exercise tolerance
Frequently asked questions
At what age is my dog a senior?
It depends on size and breed. AAHA defines senior as about the last quarter of expected lifespan, so giant breeds reach it years earlier than small breeds. Your vet can tell you where your individual dog sits.
How often should a senior dog see the vet?
At least twice a year, with screening bloodwork and urinalysis as your vet advises. Twice-yearly visits catch slow-developing conditions like kidney disease, dental disease and early arthritis while they're manageable.
My old dog is slowing down — is that normal or arthritis?
Some slowing is normal, but stiffness, difficulty rising, or reluctance to jump often signal arthritis, which is common and treatable. Don't assume it's 'just age' — a vet can assess and help with pain.
Should I give my senior dog joint supplements?
Maybe, but not on a whim. Evidence varies by product and by dog, and supplements aren't a substitute for a diagnosis. Ask your vet what's appropriate for your dog before starting anything.
Is cognitive decline in dogs real?
Yes — canine cognitive dysfunction is a recognised condition, not just 'getting old'. Signs include disorientation, altered sleep, house-soiling and changed interactions. Early veterinary input can help.