Have you ever had the experience when someone asks you the age of your fur baby, of saying “oh, about four”—only to stop to count, and realize with some trepidation that they’re really eight? As with older family members, our aging pets need special care and considerations. Their needs change too. 

When a pet is considered a “senior” often depends on the pet and breed. Large breeds age faster than smaller ones; for instance, a large dog might be considered a senior at age seven while a small breed might not be considered a senior until it is ten years old. Cats are considered senior between 7-10 years old. A pet moves from being “senior” to “geriatric” at the older end of the spectrum, while often experiencing more health-related issues.

In addition to age, there are a variety of other indicators that your pet is aging. Some of these indicators include development of arthritis, other degenerative issues, and general weakness. Beyond these more outward symptoms of age, pets can also display behavior changes as they age. These changes could include increased sensitivity to noise, changes in vocalization, increased irritability, decreased interaction with others, changes in sleep schedules.