Senior Pet Care & Twice-Yearly Health Checks

When Does My Pet Become a Senior?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer surprises most owners. Pets become "senior" earlier than you'd think, and it isn't the same for every animal. It depends on species, size and breed.

As a general guide for dogs, who reach their senior and geriatric years earlier the bigger they are:

Cats are generally considered senior from around 7 years, though at Great Western Animal Hospital we start senior care from about 10, and many go on to enjoy a long geriatric stage, with plenty living to 15 or beyond.

The key takeaway: bigger dogs age faster, so a Great Dane or Mastiff reaches its senior years long before a Jack Russell of the same age. Whatever the label, we recommend beginning twice-yearly health checks from around age 10 for most dogs, and earlier for large and giant breeds, whose senior years start sooner, as this is when age-related conditions begin to appear. If you're not sure which stage your pet is at, just ask our team.

Is your pet entering their senior years?
This is the ideal time to begin twice-yearly health checks, even if they appear completely healthy.

Why "Slowing Down" Is Not Just Old Age

It's easy to assume a pet who's less playful, sleeping more or struggling with the stairs is "just getting old." But this is one of the most common and costly mistakes owners make. Very often, there's a treatable medical condition behind these changes, and the earlier we find it, the more we can do.

A sudden change is an obvious reason to see us. But even a slow, gradual decline can be caused by a medical issue that's quietly progressing. Don't wait for it to get worse.

Changes worth booking a check for include:

• Reluctance to play, jump or climb, or difficulty rising
• Sleeping more, or restlessness and pacing at night
• Drinking or urinating more than usual
• Appetite changes, such as eating more, eating less, or losing weight
• Toileting accidents or changes in litter box or house habits
• Reduced grooming, a greasy or unkempt coat, or bald patches
• New lumps, bad breath, coughing or laboured breathing
• Irritability, anxiety, confusion, or "forgetting" familiar routines and commands

In cats especially, these signs are easy to miss. Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so a "grumpy" cat who's lost their spark, or a normally sweet cat who's suddenly cranky, is often telling us something is wrong.

Don’t wait for obvious symptoms.
A check every six months helps us identify subtle changes in weight, mobility, blood pressure, dental health and organ function before they become more serious.

What's Included in a Senior Health Check

Our senior consultations are far more than a standard check-up. Each visit is tailored to your pet's age, breed and lifestyle, with a focus on early detection and proactive care. Because we're a Fear Free practice, we also work to keep the visit calm and low-stress, which matters even more for older pets.

At every six-monthly senior check, we'll perform:

• A comprehensive physical examination: eyes, ears, teeth, joints, skin, coat, heart, lungs and abdomen
• A weight and body condition assessment, because maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in supporting a long, comfortable life.
• A conversation about the things you've noticed: appetite, mobility, behaviour, toileting and lifestyle changes at home
• Blood pressure and eye pressure testing (gentle and non-invasive)

Once a year, we also recommend blood and urine testing to assess kidney, liver, thyroid and metabolic health. These tests reveal what a physical exam can't, picking up conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and thyroid problems before any symptoms appear. Together, six-monthly health checks and annual blood and urine testing give us the best possible picture of your pet’s health as they age.

Cognitive Changes (Pet Dementia)

Just like people, ageing pets can experience cognitive decline, known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome and similar to the early stages of Alzheimer's. It's estimated to affect somewhere between 14% and 35% of dogs over eight, and it occurs in cats too.

Signs include disorientation or confusion, pacing or aimless wandering, staring into space, disrupted sleep (often restless or vocal at night), increased anxiety, toileting accidents, and reduced interest in interaction.

There's no cure, but early diagnosis genuinely helps. Supportive diets, environmental enrichment, mental stimulation and certain medications can slow progression and improve quality of life. If you've noticed any of these changes, please mention them at your pet's check.

Supporting Your Senior Pet at Home

Small changes make a big difference to an ageing pet's comfort:

• Soft, warm, accessible bedding: raised slightly off cold floors and away from draughts, and easy to step in and out of.
• Ramps, steps or footstools to favourite spots, and litter boxes with a low entry so cats don't have to jump or climb stairs.
• Easy access to food and water on the same level your pet spends most of their time.
• The right nutrition: senior pets often need fewer calories but good-quality protein to preserve muscle. We can recommend a diet matched to your pet's stage and any health conditions.
• Keep the environment familiar: minimise furniture rearranging if eyesight or hearing is fading, and approach a deaf or vision-impaired pet gently so you don't startle them.
• Enrichment that suits their body: shorter "sniff" walks for dogs, food puzzles and snuffle mats, gentle play, and positive-reward training. An old dog absolutely can learn new tricks, and mental stimulation helps keep the brain sharp without overtaxing ageing joints.

Age Is Not a Barrier to Treatment

Many owners avoid recommended procedures, such as dental treatment or surgery, out of worry about anaesthesia in an older pet. It's an understandable fear, but anaesthetic care has advanced enormously. Modern practice uses safer anaesthetic agents, blood pressure monitoring, intravenous fluids, and pain relief before, during and after procedures, all as standard. Age alone is rarely a reason to leave a painful, treatable problem untreated. We're always happy to talk through the risks, benefits and options for your individual pet so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Book Your Senior Pet's Health Check Today

The companionship a senior pet brings is precious, and proactive care doesn't just improve their quality of life; it can add years to it. We'd love to help you make the most of this special time together.

Call us on 02 9631 9322 or book online to schedule a senior health check.

General information only and not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet, please contact our team.