When is a dog or cat considered senior?

It varies by size and species. Small dogs are generally considered senior around age 10 to 12. Large breed dogs reach senior status earlier -- sometimes around age 7. Cats are typically considered senior at age 10. Giant breeds (Great Danes, Saint Bernards) age fastest and may be senior by 6 or 7.

How often should a senior pet see the vet?

Twice a year is the standard recommendation for pets over 7 (or the applicable senior threshold for their breed and size). Age-related conditions can develop and progress quickly -- a six-month gap gives the vet more opportunities to catch changes while they are still manageable.

Does anesthesia become more dangerous for older pets?

Older pets warrant more careful pre-anesthetic screening, including bloodwork to check kidney and liver function. The risk is not automatically prohibitive -- many older pets handle anesthesia well with proper preparation. The risk of untreated dental disease or an untreated surgical condition is also real, and the two need to be weighed. Your vet will advise based on the individual pet.

What signs of aging should I bring up with my vet?

Changes in water intake, urination frequency, appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and behavior are all worth mentioning. Stumbling, difficulty rising from rest, or changes in how the pet walks may indicate neurological or orthopedic changes. Any new lump or bump should be evaluated. Do not assume these are normal aging -- many are treatable.

Caring for a senior dog or cat: how vet care changes as they age

By Maya Krishnan · Updated 2026-06-02

How aging changes the health picture

Older pets do not get sick more often because they are old — they become more vulnerable to conditions that develop slowly over years. Kidney disease, dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, hyperthyroidism (in cats), and cancer all become more common with age. Most of them are manageable when caught early.

The goal of senior care is not to add complexity — it is to extend the period of good quality of life by catching problems at a point when something can be done about them.

What changes about vet visits

Area	What to expect for seniors
Visit frequency	Every 6 months rather than annually
Bloodwork	Annual or semi-annual panels to track kidney, liver, thyroid (cats), and blood cell counts
Blood pressure	Regular monitoring, especially in cats; hypertension is common and treatable
Dental exam	More frequent attention; dental disease advances faster with age
Joint and mobility	Assessment of arthritis progression; pain management if needed
Weight	Both weight loss and weight gain are clinically significant in seniors
Cancer screening	Palpating lymph nodes and abdomen, assessing lumps; more frequent with age

Common conditions in senior dogs

Arthritis affects a large proportion of dogs over age 8. Signs are not always obvious: reluctance to jump on furniture, slower to rise from rest, lagging on walks, stiffness after naps. Treatment ranges from supplements (omega-3s, adequan injections) to prescription anti-inflammatories to physical therapy.

Cognitive dysfunction is the canine version of dementia. Signs include disorientation, standing in corners, nighttime restlessness, changed interactions with family members. It is not curable but is manageable, and early recognition lets owners adapt the home environment.

Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, causes weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes. It is common in middle-aged to senior dogs and easily managed with daily medication once diagnosed.

Common conditions in senior cats

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in cats over 10. The thyroid produces too much hormone, driving weight loss despite a good or increased appetite, a rapid heart rate, and hyperactivity. It is very treatable with medication, diet, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a significant proportion of cats over 15. It develops slowly and is often found on bloodwork before obvious symptoms appear. Early detection with regular monitoring allows dietary management that slows progression.

Hypertension in cats often comes alongside hyperthyroidism or kidney disease. It is measured during wellness visits. Untreated high blood pressure in cats causes retinal detachment and sudden blindness.

An older tabby cat receiving a calm wellness check from a veterinarian in a warm, well-lit Denver exam room while the vet gently palpates the cat's abdomen

What you can do at home

Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and note changes in appetite
Weigh your pet monthly on a baby scale or at your vet’s clinic
Provide comfortable, easy-to-reach resting spots; consider low-sided litter boxes for cats with arthritis
Keep water sources accessible and fresh; monitor intake
Bring up any behavioral changes at the next visit, even if they seem minor

The threshold for calling the vet should be lower for a 14-year-old cat than for a 3-year-old cat. If something seems off, it usually is worth a call.

Our general veterinary care category lists Denver-area clinics equipped for senior wellness care. Browse by neighborhood on the home page and read how we score clinics in our ranking method.

FAQ

When is a dog or cat considered senior?: It varies by size and species. Small dogs are generally considered senior around age 10 to 12. Large breed dogs reach senior status earlier -- sometimes around age 7. Cats are typically considered senior at age 10. Giant breeds (Great Danes, Saint Bernards) age fastest and may be senior by 6 or 7.
How often should a senior pet see the vet?: Twice a year is the standard recommendation for pets over 7 (or the applicable senior threshold for their breed and size). Age-related conditions can develop and progress quickly -- a six-month gap gives the vet more opportunities to catch changes while they are still manageable.
Does anesthesia become more dangerous for older pets?: Older pets warrant more careful pre-anesthetic screening, including bloodwork to check kidney and liver function. The risk is not automatically prohibitive -- many older pets handle anesthesia well with proper preparation. The risk of untreated dental disease or an untreated surgical condition is also real, and the two need to be weighed. Your vet will advise based on the individual pet.
What signs of aging should I bring up with my vet?: Changes in water intake, urination frequency, appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and behavior are all worth mentioning. Stumbling, difficulty rising from rest, or changes in how the pet walks may indicate neurological or orthopedic changes. Any new lump or bump should be evaluated. Do not assume these are normal aging -- many are treatable.