At What Age Is My Pet Considered Senior? - Greencross Vets

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How to know when your pet is considered senior?

Did you know that dogs and cats age around seven times faster than humans? Like us, their needs change as they get older. Knowing when your pet is considered senior will help them to get the best out of their retirement years.

The approximate age where a pet is considered senior is when they’re older than seven. We also need to consider their breed, larger breed dogs generally age faster and can have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs.

Changes to look out for

As our pets age, it’s important to consider their changing needs. Greencross Vets recommends a twice-yearly vet check to detect any age-related problems early on, there are four areas that pet parents should pay close attention to:

Changes in mobility – can be a symptom of arthritis
Any lumps or bumps on the body
Changes in appetite, thirst, weight gain or weight loss
Dental problems – symptoms can include smelly breath, painful chewing, drooling, or appetite changes
Behavioural changes such as sleeping more or increased urination

Ask your local Greencross Vets about the dietary requirements of your senior cat or dog. As our pets age, their nutritional needs change. Their diet should be tailored to their breed, species, activity level, and any existing health conditions.

As your pet ages, they may choose to be indoors more and might not have as much energy compared to when they were young, it is important to maintain a lean, healthy body weight as they transition into their older years.

Remember to book your pets in for twice yearly wellness checks at your local Greencross Vets and speak with our team about any changes or concerns as your pet ages. Your pet will have their best years ahead if you keep their changing needs in mind as they grow older (and wiser).

You can also speak with a vet 24/7 via video call with WebVet and get peace of mind from the comfort of your home.